Tata Madiba...

"Today is not a holiday but a day dedicated to service."

This is the wish of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.

The 18th of July, International Mandela Day, as it is known the world over, is not only a celebration of the birthday of one of the greatest men alive. It is also a day of celebration for the people of the country; a celebration of the triumph of her people.

Nelson Mandela, or Madiba (his clan name) as he is affectionately known spent 67 years of his life fighting for a better South Africa and a better world. In South Africa today, citizens were urged to give 67 minutes of their time to their community; whether it be visiting a home for the elderly, painting a school, building a house or walking a dog at the SPCA. It was to be a day dedicated to service.

South Africans abroad also tried to put their time into creating awareness about the special day, helping friends or spending time on other projects to do with South Africa.

Days like these are the days where South Africans remember what is really important.

As present leader of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, said today in a speech broadcast on SABC radio stations, "Let each one of us pledge to make South Africa a better place in every possible way".

Happy Birthday, Madiba. And thank you for being a constant reminder that nothing is impossible.