SA urged to make every day a Mandela Day

"We are heartened by the various community initiatives that South Africans have been doing since the beginning of July...we also urge all people to make sure that, by the end of July; they have devoted at least 67 minutes to improving the lives of others in honour of Madiba's legacy," said Acting Cabinet Spokesperson, Phumla Williams.

She noted that most of the work done by South Africans on Mandela Day was in places like schools, hospitals, clinics and community gardens.

"Government appreciates the partnership by all members of society in advancing the government priorities of health, education and food security contributing to improving the lives of others."

Cabinet designated the theme of Mandela Day 2013 as: "Take action; inspire change; make every day a Mandela Day" with a focus on food security, shelter and literacy. The theme of shelter was highlighted by President Jacob Zuma's handover of houses in Danville, West of Pretoria. Officials in various provinces including the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape also handed over houses to destitute and child headed households.

Williams said acts of goodwill should not cease, adding that Mandela month should be used to highlight the spirit of "Ubuntu that embodies social cohesion and these acts should continue beyond July".