Can you spare 67 minutes?

ASK a class of Grade R pupils to name the first president of democratic South Africa and hands go up eagerly to answer: Nelson Mandela, of course.

Ask adult South Africans about their proudest moment in the country’s recent history and they invariably recall Mandela’s emotional release from prison in 1990, or the fervent pride they felt at his historic inauguration as president in 1994.

Ask senior citizens about what inspired them most to intensify the struggle against racial discrimination and injustice in the country, and they wax lyrical about Mandela’s stirring and defiant Rivonia Trial speech in which he talked passionately about his cherished ideal of a democratic and free society he hoped to live and even die for.

That is, indeed, the measure of the man South Africans – whatever their age, race, religion or political affiliation – refer so proudly to as “Tata” or the Father of the Nation.

He is loved and admired – both at home and internationally – because of his unwavering passion for good, wholesome values and his dedication to the service of humanity.

But what particularly endeared him to people was that he exercised his influence and leadership with a deep sense of humility and conciliation.

It was in recognition of Mandela’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom worldwide that the UN General Assembly declared his birthday, July 18, as Nelson Mandela International Day, and people around the world are asked to devote 67 minutes of their time – one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service – helping others.

POST readers have an opportunity to celebrate the icon’s birthday on Monday by acting on his belief that each person has the power to change the world.

It does not require a Herculean effort, nor does it take much of your time. Even simple gestures will make a difference, like offering to help in schools, hospitals, orphanages, shelters and libraries; preparing meals for the poor and elderly; cleaning up parks; delivering workshops; planting seedlings or pulling weeds; or talking and reading to people in old age homes.

Join us in celebrating Mandela’s birthday and, in some small way, help make your neighbourhood, your city, your country, and the world, a better place to live in.

Can you spare 67 minutes for an honourable cause?