(VOVWORLD) - South Africans on Saturday marked the Nelson Mandela International Day with a focus on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Pupils sing and dance at the Nelson Mandela Square to mark the Nelson Mandela Day, in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 18, 2019 (Photo: Xinhua) |
Unlike previous years, no massive celebrations were held this year due to the pandemic.
The best way to mark the event was to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, "Stay safe, Protect South Africa, Together we can beat Coronavirus," the government said.
As part of his Mandela day activity, President Cyril Ramaphosa spent time with the children of Ikageng Orphanage based in Soweto, Johannesburg in a virtual book reading session organized by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The aim was to share a special message of solidarity and hope with the young minds of South Africa, his office said.