The South African government on Monday called on all South Africans to keep Nelson Mandela's legacy alive as the world start to celebrate his birthday later this month.

July 18 was declared the Nelson Mandela International Day in 2010 by the United Nations in honor of Mandela's dedication to the national reconciliation and freedom, being celebrated worldwide every year.

Many residents in South Africa would do something good to uplift the standards of people, including dedicating 67 minutes to do community work to assist the society.

The South African government spokesperson Phumla Williams on Monday said, "Madiba (Mandela's nickname) has made an indelible mark on our society, having overseen the transition from apartheid to a society built on the pillars of democracy and freedom." "To celebrate the Mandela Day, South Africans need to uphold Madiba's ideal, including his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and a nonracial South Africa," said the speaker.

The Mandela Day this year is being held under the theme "Take Action, Inspire Change. Make Every Day a Mandela Day."

The government is encouraging South Africans to emulate Mandela by trying to create a better world for all.

"Let us heed to the call of President Jacob Zuma, and make it the biggest Mandela Day ever on the 18th of July, focusing on doing good all over the country," said the government spokesperson.

"Communities across the country would participate in activities such as painting classrooms, cleaning parks, repairing water leaks among others," Williams added.

The government spokesperson was convinced that people have a responsibility to defend democracy, promote peace and pray for Mandela who is at the hospital.

The ailing 94-year-old former president Mandela was hospitalized on June 8, suffering from the serious recurrent lung infection.

The South African government encouraged people to support the 94 plus schools Infrastructure Project which was launched by President Zuma in 2009 to promote the national education development.

The Mandela Day is also dedicated to Mandela's commitment to human rights, conflict resolution and reconciliation.

Williams called for people not to wait for July 18, 2013 to assist the community but do it every day of their lives. Endi

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