It’s a milestone many thought Nelson Mandela would not reach.  Today, the former South African President and anti-apartheid hero turns 95.  Mandela has been in a Pretoria hospital with a lung infection since June 8th but his daughters say he`s improved and could even be discharged soon. South Africa’s high commissioner to Canada says he’s “over the moon” that Mandela is still alive. Membathisis Mdladlana goes on to say, “we have been thinking that Mandela won’t reach 95 and here we are.  God is good.  God is great.  And so we will be celebrating this International Mandela Day that has been declared by the United Nations with him still alive.”

Nelson Mandela has made three visits to Canada since 1990, and received honorary citizenship during his last trip here in 2001.  He is also one of just a few foreign dignitaries to be named an honorary Companion to the Order of Canada

Members of Toronto’s Honouring Mandela Committee are hosting a community celebration this afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Park Public School to honour the Nobel Prize winner.