Happy 94th Birthday Madiba!
- By Richard Branson -
- Jul 18, 2012
Happy 94th Birthday Madiba! Congratulations on 94 years filled with love, compassion and wisdom. Thanks for all you’ve done for the world - how lucky we are to have you as a shining light of hope and moral courage.
Every July 18th for many years Nelson Mandela has called me to wish me a happy birthday. For somebody of his stature to take the trouble and time to do so, especially on his own birthday, is just another example of what an extraordinary human being he is.
I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you all about something very close to my heart. A few years ago the Nelson Mandela Foundation founded Mandela Day, an initiative around to world encouraging people to contribute at least 67 minutes towards bettering their community to celebrate Mandela’s life each year.
This is symbolic of the fact that Madiba gave over 67 years serving his community, his country and the world at large.
This year I’m taking part and my pledge for Mandela Day is to teach 67 children to swim, starting with a 67 minute lesson on Mandela Day.
I really hope you can get involved too and give 67 minutes to help people and the planet.
Enjoy July 18th!
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
