JOHANNESBURG - The call has also been extended to people throughout the world to sing the song at their time at 8am on  July 18 to honour the elderly statesman who turns 94.

The day has been marked since 2009 to celebrate Mandela’s impact on the world.

Mandela Day inspires individuals to take 67 minutes out of their day to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good.

Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere to take action, inspire change and continue to make every day a Mandela Day.

Throughout the country numerous organisations, companies, and individuals will be getting together doing something good to uplift their communities and putting the smiles back on those less fortunate.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu  says the best gift to give former President  Mandela on his birthday would be to act like him.

“The greatest gift our nation could possibly give Tata Nelson Mandela for his 94th birthday this week would be to emulate his magnanimity and grace,” Tutu said.

Tutu said citizens should spend a few quiet moments on his birthday thinking about Mandela’s gift to the nation.

His gift had been to place reconciliation and national unity at the top of the agenda.

Tutu said the revered leader had also been willing to listen to others, to solicit and acknowledge all points of view, to set an example of forgiveness and tolerance, and to inspire hope and pride in others.