Mandela birthday singers sought

A picture taken on June 17, 2010 shows former South African President Nelson Mandela in Sandton. Nelson Mandela, 93, was admitted to hospital on February 25, 2012 after doctors advised specialist medical attention for a long-standing abdominal complaint. "President Jacob Zuma wishes to advise that former president Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital today, the 25th February 2012," a statement from the presidency said. AFP PHOTO / POOL - Siphiwe Sibeko

A picture taken on June 17, 2010 shows former South African President Nelson Mandela in Sandton. Nelson Mandela, 93, was admitted to hospital on February 25, 2012 after doctors advised specialist medical attention for a long-standing abdominal complaint. "President Jacob Zuma wishes to advise that former president Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital today, the 25th February 2012," a statement from the presidency said. AFP PHOTO / POOL - Siphiwe Sibeko

Published Apr 10, 2012

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A planned attempt to break a world record, with over 20 million people singing “happy birthday” to former president Nelson Mandela, was announced on Tuesday.

“This year we hope to break the Guinness Book of World Records with more than 20 million South Africans singing,” Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Lead SA said in a statement.

“We want to encourage the nation to join in.”

Last year the department and the civic participation group arranged for millions of school children to sing to Mandela at 8am on his birthday.

Lead SA spokesman Yusuf Abramjee said he was confident that the public would show their love and affection for Mandela by participating in singing to him on his 94th birthday on Wednesday, July 18.

“In addition to the millions of school children, we want people in offices, in factories and those out on the streets to join in...”

The SHOUT Foundation, a movement aimed at reducing crime, committed 94 singers to record the song for distribution in the run-up to Mandela's birthday. - Sapa

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