South Africans give back on birthday of Nelson Mandela, who died in December at age 95

JOHANNESBURG – South Africans are marking Nelson Mandela's birthday with charitable acts in honor of the former president, whose death in December prompted a global outpouring of tributes.

People picked up litter, cooked at homes for the elderly and donated food, blankets and other basic necessities to the poor on Friday. The United Nations has declared July 18 to be Nelson Mandela International Day.

Organizers have urged people to perform acts of charity for 67 minutes, symbolizing Mandela's 67 years of public service.

Mandela was jailed for 27 years under white minority rule and led a difficult transition to democracy, becoming president in all-race elections in 1994. He served one five-year term, evolving into a global statesman and pursuing charitable causes after that. He died Dec. 5 at the age of 95.