‘Let the spirit of Mandela fight for us' : Homeless ex-convict calls for unity on Mandela Day
A homeless Soweto man, 49, who spent 20 years in prison for theft, robbery and housebreaking, has called on the spirit of former President Nelson Mandela to help fight for a better South Africa.
'Let the spirit of Mandela fight for us,' said Sphesihle Mshezi, of Zola, Soweto. 'I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to those helping the needy and vulnerable around the world.'
Mshezi made the remarks on Friday during Nelson Mandela Day commemorations at the Tshepo Community Development facilities in Northcliff, Johannesburg.
Mandela Day is observed annually on July 18, encouraging people around the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service.
Mandela, who was the South African Black President and global political icon, was born July 18, 1918.
He died December 5, 2013, following a prolonged respiratory infection.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government.
He was released on February 11, 1990.
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