President Jacob Zuma has urged South Africans to build a more caring society.
In his message for International Nelson Mandela Day, Zuma appealed to all South Africans to also dedicate themselves to building a united society.
He said Madiba had dedicated 67 years of his life to the struggle to create a better South Africa.
"More importantly, let us recommit to eliminate all social ills from our communities such as the abuse of women and children, the abuse of drugs and other substances, crime and hooliganism, including acts of disobedience, disrespect and destruction of property, as well as the violence that usually accompanies these kinds of actions," Zuma said.
Meanwhile, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will on Saturday lead the proceedings at the Mandela Day celebrations at the Makgatho Lewanika Primary School at Madiba's birth village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape.
Department spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, said Motshekga will be supported by Transport Minister Dipuo Peters in honour of the former late President Nelson Mandela for Mandela day.
He said that the Ministers will be planting 67 trees at the school as party of the celebrations while Acsa will contribute computers, wireless networks and software.
Presidential spokepserson, Harold Maloka, said Motshekga replaces President Jacob Zuma in the proceedings.
He said the formal opening of the school by President Zuma was also scheduled for Saturday but this has now been moved out to 25 August.
