Mandela, also known as "Madiba", was born July 18, 1918. The song for his birthday will be officially launched June 18, giving the nation a month to create the mood for celebrations. On May 29, more than 400 people assembled at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg to record the song for Mandela, Xinhua reported. "This is just wonderful, giving South Africans an opportunity to come together and they will never cease to amaze you," said Anitha Soni, trustee of the board of directors for Brand South Africa, an organisation responsible for promoting South Africa.

The celebrations are being sponsored by Brand South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Proudly South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. Schools and communities are being urged to prepare some colourful activities for the day. "This one is very special as Madiba turns 94, and he became the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994," said Proudly South Africa CEO Lesley Sedibe.