South Africans celebrate Mandela at 93

 
A special version of "Happy Birthday" was sung by over 12 millions South African schoolchildren to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday before lessons began on Monday.
 
Students at the Johannesburg School for the Blind and Partially Sighted also sang and danced as they wished their "Tata Mandela" a happy birthday.
 
This preceded a worldwide chorus of birthday wishes received by the anti-apartheid icon.
 
Birthday messages
 
US President, Barack Obama in a statement sent Sunday, referred to Mandela as "a beacon for the global community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation."
 
South African leaders including President Jacob Zuma were among those who sent him birthday wishes.
 
Celebration venue
 
He is expected to spend the day with his family in his home village of Qunu, some 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) south of Johannesburg, as he had retired from public life.
 
The elder statesman is also thought of, by many South Africans as a beloved family member and referred to by his clan name, Madiba.
 
Previous celebration
 
 His birthday was declared as an international day devoted to public service in 2009.

People around the world have been asked to mark the occasion by giving 67 minutes of their time to work in their local community, one minute for every year of Mandela's public service.
 
He became South Africa's first black president after spending 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
 
 
 
AP/Emma/Williams