Every year on 18 July, the day Nelson Mandela was born, the UN joins a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
Mandela, who died Dec 5 2013 aged 95, would've turned 97 on Saturday.
Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years in total, which includes 18 on Robben Island, before his release on 11 Feb 1990.
Revd Colin Chambers, who's a white South African, served as chaplain to Nelson Mandela for eight years when he was imprisoned on the Island: "That humility, that warmth of spirit. Whether he was with the Spice Girls or whether he was with another head of state from another country... he was the same.
"There was no pretence; what you see is what you get and people liked what they got... that's what was so real about Nelson," Revd Colin Chambers told Premier.
The Mandela Day campaign message is: "Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We're asking you to start with 67 minutes."
"We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation," according to a statement issued on Mandela's behalf."
Listen to Premier's John Pantry speaking to Revd Colin Chambers on Inspirational Breakfast.
