Pretoria - Events to mark Mandela Day have kicked off around the world, and momentum is building towards the big event on Saturday.
The former president's 91st birthday will be demonstrated by acts of humanity and improving the world we live in.
President Jacob Zuma, during his State of the Nation Address, made a call for everyone to spend at least 67 minutes making a difference in someone's life on the day, by showing humanity towards other people. The 67 minutes represents the time that Madiba spent serving humanity.
Parliament opened its doors to people from various organisations around the Western Cape to commemorate Madiba's birthday.
People with disabilities, homeless children and young people from identified drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres will visit Parliament to interact with senior officials and tour the premises. Officials will donate stationery, sports kits, books, toys, clothes and food to all invited organisations.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), held a special performance from the National Ceremonial Guard Band at Church Square, Pretoria earlier on Friday. Other SANDF units and SANDF members will mark Mandela Day in their own special way by embarking on special projects, or joining other established Mandela Day initiatives.
In New York, after a week of events and activities that included a gala dinner hosted by former US President Bill Clinton and Madiba's wife, Graca Machel, thousands will gather for the 46664 concert at the Radio City Music Hall.
President Jacob Zuma will spend his 67 minutes with elderly people in Ivory Park, Johannesburg. The objective of the visit is to raise awareness about the need to honour and value senior citizens in our country.
Several ministers are expected to do community work in the provinces, including planting vegetable gardens, fixing water pipes and refurbishing police stations and schools.
Meanwhile, the Department of Arts and Culture will host a party in Newton, Johannesburg, where various local artists will perform. A total of 15 000 people in and around Gauteng are expected to attend this celebration.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is expected to address the 15 000 people expected at the event, attended by local celebrities RJ Benjamin, Chommie, Zamajobe, Kwela Tebza and others.
In Durban, Mandela Day activities include a clean-up in Wentworth, south of the city, while Capetonians will play host to the Ubuntu Street Festival at the Mandela Rhodes Place venue.
The Mandela concert at New York's Madison Square Garden will feature local acts Jesse Clegg, Freshlyground and Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, alongside French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. The event also stars singers Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, as well as Hollywood stars Forest Whitaker, Susan Sarandon and Matt Damon.
The concert aims to raise funds for Mandela's 46664 campaign.
