http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/277436,mandela-calls-on-people-to-do-their-bit-for-change.html

Johannesburg - South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela called on people to honour him on his 91st birthday Saturday by volunteering their time to help others in their communities. July 18 has been named annual Mandela Day in South Africa. Rather than being a holiday, Mandela's foundation is calling on people across the world to spend at least 67 minutes helping others on the day.

"Our struggle for freedom and justice was a collective effort. Mandela Day is no different," Mandela said in a video message recorded for his birthday that was released by his foundation Tuesday.

"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it," he said, calling on people to dedicate "time and effort" to improve conditions within their own communities.

The 67 minutes has been chosen to reflect Mandela's 67 years of political engagement, according to his foundation, which starts the clock at his 24th year.

Mandela led resistance to white supremacist rule before being jailed with seven others for sabotage in 1964. He spent a total 27 years in prison before his release in 1990. Four years later, he was elected president in the country's first multiracial, democratic elections.

Mandela served just one five-year term as president but has continued his involvement in public life, campaigning on behalf of his African National Congress party, and his children's and HIV/AIDS charities.

On Saturday, a slew of top artists, including Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, will perform at a concern in New York in aid of his 46664 HIV/AIDS charity.

Back home, political, business and civil society leaders have announced various charitable activities.