Happy birthday Madiba

The 18th of July is one of the most important days for South Africans, and people all over the world are doing good deeds to honor the country's most famous statesman, Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela, on his 94th birthday.

Mandela had a dream for his beloved South Africa. He saw Mzansi as a rainbow nation. He viewed the various African ethnic groups, descendants of European settlers and Asian immigrants and peoples of mixed race as his brothers and sisters, all citizens of a non-racial, non-sexist, modern South African state.

Hence the United Nations Organisation in 2009 declared July 18 as "Mandela's Day", with a call to devote 67 minutes, one minute for each and every of the 67 years of Mandela’s struggle, to helping others.

English Football giants Manchester United will kick off the pre-season friendly against AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday to celebrate the respected icon’s birthday

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to the selflessness of Nelson Mandela. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been fortunate enough to meet Mandela on "two or three occasions", most recently in 2006. "I remember when he spoke in Monaco after we won the Treble. Honestly, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up," the United boss said.

Happy birthday Yemyem, Sopitjo Ngqolomsila, Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela.