July 18 is Madiba's birthday and the day is dedicated to his work and that of his charitable organisations, as part of ensuring that his legacy lives on.
In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day, dedicated to the former President's commitment to human rights, conflict resolution and reconciliation.
This year, government is again calling on South Africans to support the 94+ Schools Infrastructure Project in support of the national Mandela Day, which was declared by President Jacob Zuma in 2009.
The theme for Mandela Month 2013 is 'Take Action, Inspire Change. Make Every Day a Mandela Day'.
"Madiba 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 Mandela Month, South Africans need to uphold Madiba's ideals, including his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and a non-racial South Africa," said Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO, Phumla Williams.
"As South Africans and people from across the globe pray for Madiba during his hospitalisation, we are reminded that we have a responsibility to promote freedom and defend our democracy in honour of his commitment to these ideals."
Williams said the country should heed President Zuma's call to make this year's Mandela Day "the biggest ever, focusing on doing good all over the country".
"This call does not warrant expensive gestures, but instead communities can participate in activities such as painting classrooms, cleaning parks, repairing water leaks, amongst others," said Williams.
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