Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has said South Africans can honour Madiba by continuing the fight against racism, sexism and tribalism.
"Guided by our Constitution, we must in honour of Madiba, work together and continue the struggle against all forms of racism, sexism and tribalism including xenophobia in our country," said the President, addressing hundreds of elders at a gala event in Ivory Park, east of Johannesburg.
He said South African's should use 18 July to uplift the lives of those in need. The day has been declared Mandela Day and people across the world have been urged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to a worthwhile cause.
"Madiba represents a generation of selfless men. He has spent 67 years of his adult life working for peace, freedom, development and the promotion of human rights and dignity," the President.
Through Mr Mandela's leadership, South Africa was able to bury the past and enter a future of collaboration, peace and solidarity in which all were certain that no South African would be persecuted for believing in freedom and peace in the land.
President Zuma said it was not a mistake that government and its partners decided to make Madiba's birthday a memorable one for the elderly people.
"We are sharing Madiba's birthday with his peers, our senior citizens because we want to change the incorrect perception that they are burden to their families and society," he told a packed Ivory Park community hall where elderly people were treated to a three course meal.
Some people had travelled from as far as the United Kingdom to be in South Africa on this important occasion on the country's calendar.
Some of the elderly, who included a group from Madiba's home village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape, admitted they have never felt "so important in their life".
"I feel like a queen today, I am so happy thank you Madiba, thank you Tata," said 83-year-old Nothembile Sijadu from the Eastern Cape.
Mthobeli Ngam, 91, from Thembisa said she was blessed to have lived until this day.
President Zuma also showered the elderly with gifts such as wheelchairs, blankets and groceries donated by the Gift of the Givers and the Department of Social Development.
The handful of young people present at the event, were urged by the President to champion Mr Mandela's spirit of peace and nation building
"Let us all learn from the example and we urge all those with time and resources to take forward the culture of business and communities partnering to build much needed community resources," said President Zuma.
Festivities are set to continue throughout the night as musicians have gathered in Newtown, Johannesburg have vowed to make this day memorable one not only for the Mandela family but for all who appreciate his humanity.
