The internet considers July 18 as MandelaDay as the world remembers Nelson Mandela on his birthday. He would have been 99 years old if he did not die from a lung infection on December 5, 2013. According to BBC, the late president was under intensive medical care for three months before he passed away at a hospital in Johannesburg.

The unfortunate news was personally announced by Pres. Jacob Zuma who confirmed that the nation had "lost its greatest son" on the passing of Mandela. "Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss," the incumbent leader said in a televised speech.

The president even credited the late politician for bringing unity among South Africans who will always remember him for his legacy and excellence. World leaders, including then-president Barack Obama, paid tribute to Mandela and his selfless leadership to bring freedom among his constituents.

Twitter celebrates #MandelaDay to honor late leader

Countless people from all over the world are celebrating Mandela's 99th birthday by holding humanitarian programs like bloodletting activities, coastal cleanups, mental health awareness campaigns, and other charitable causes. For instance, a Twitter user uploaded a few snippets from their cleanup drive and encouraged others to make it a habit to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings.

A construction company held a book drive to celebrate Mandela's birthday, while the student organization of Stellenbosch University volunteered to feed 10,000 people with sandwiches on Tuesday.

Remembering Nelson for his legacy

The late Mandela had served as the president of South Africa from 1994 until 1999, making him the first black to lead the country and the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election.

He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for being a peace advocate.

After his term ended, Mandela became an ambassador who campaigned against HIV/AIDS. He also inaugurated several scholarship programs for African students, including Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture and Mandela Rhodes Foundation launched in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Aside from his legendary deeds, the late Mandela is also remembered for his inspirational words which have inspired the new generation of leaders. "#MandelaDay should remind all of us that we can and we must work with each other despite our real and imagined differences," a Twitter user wrote.
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