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    July 18, 2011

World Celebrates Mandela's Birthday

   VOA News
   A group of schoolchildren pose near a banner announcing Mandela Day at
   the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, July 17, 2011
   Photo: AFP
   A group of schoolchildren pose near a banner announcing Mandela Day at
   the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, July 17, 2011

   South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, is celebrating
   his 93rd birthday Thursday, as people all over the world honor his life
   by giving back to their own communities.
   The United Nations designated the former leader's birthday as Nelson
   Mandela Day in 2009, with a call for individuals to do 67 minutes of
   community service to represent the number of years he spent in
   politics.
   Mandela celebrated with his family in his hometown of Qunu.
   South African President Jacob Zuma said Thursday that Mr. Mandela "laid
   the foundation" for a solid democracy in South Africa, but that more
   work still needs to be done to address poverty and improve the lives of
   children.
   U.S. President Barack Obama called Mandela "a beacon for the global
   community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and
   reconciliation."
   The Nobel Peace Prize laureate led the struggle to bring down South
   Africa's system of white minority rule and discrimination against
   blacks. In 1994, he became the country's first black president.

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