JOHANNESBURG – As former President Nelson Mandela continues to recover in hospital his grandchildren have called on the nation to make each day Nelson Mandela Day.

This year’s international day celebrated in Madiba’s honour was launched in Houghton on Wednesday.

Mandela Day, now in its fourth year, will be celebrated on the 18 July and coincides with Madiba’s birthday. He will turn 95 this year.

Speaking in Houghton on Wednesday, Mandela’s grandson Luvuyo described why the day is important to the family.

“Care for your fellow human being and understand that in these values we’ll be able to strive for the unity that my grandfather set out.” Luvuyo said.

Mbuso, another of his grandsons, said: “[It is about engendering] humanity in each other and making sure that we get together and do good for other people.”

This year the public has been urged to dedicate 20 hours to mark 20 years of democracy, which South Africa will mark next year.

In previous years Mandela and his organisations have urged people to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to charity or helping others. The time symbolised the 67 years the statesman dedicated to serving others.

Madiba is currently receiving treatment in the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria. He was admitted to the facility on 8 June for a recurring lung infection.

This is his fourth hospital visit since December when he received treatment for the same condition.

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