Today marks the 93rd birthday of South Africa's living legend, Nelson Mandela. After his health scare earlier this year, largely due to the lack of communication to the media and public by those who represent him, we're glad to be celebrating this occasion with him.

In response to the Nelson Mandela Foundation's call for people to contribute 67 minutes of their time towards a charitable cause on Madiba's birthday, people and organisations around the country are participating in various ways including helping out at orphanages and homes for the elderly, walking homeless dogs that are kept at shelters, donating money and food to charities etc.

Why 67 minutes? Madiba is said to have given 67 years of his life fighting for human rights; 67 minutes each year suddenly seems insignificant in comparison, but if all citizens participate in the campaign, this could leave a lasting effect on society.

Happy birthday, Madiba!

For more information on Mandela Day, and how you can get involved, go to www.mandeladay.com.

Cheers, Sindy Peters (@sindylp): Africa editor

Responses to this column welcomed in our online editor's column archive. Send all your Africa marketing news africanews@bizcommunity.com and opinion pieces to contributors-africa@bizcommunity.com. Follow Bizcommunity on Twitter @Bizcommunity and join our Facebook page.