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Vuvuzelas, silence to mark one year since death of Mandela

File photo taken on December 6, 2013 shows a framed image of former South African president Nelson Mandela as people pay tribute in Johannesburg/AFP

File photo taken on December 6, 2013 shows a framed image of former South African president Nelson Mandela as people pay tribute in Johannesburg/AFP

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Dec 5 – South Africans mark one year since the death of Nelson Mandela on Friday with commemorations including blasting vuvuzelas and reminders of his enormous legacy as an anti-apartheid icon and global beacon of hope.

Official commemorations are to include an interfaith prayer service early Friday, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony by veterans of the anti-apartheid struggle, as well as a cricket match.

Bells, hooters, vuvuzelas and sirens will chime, honk, blow and wail for three minutes and seven seconds – followed by three minutes of silence: a six-minute and seven-second dedication to Mandela’s 67 years of public service.

A long list of other events were set to take place into the weekend and beyond dedicated to Mandela, including motorcycle rides and performances.

South Africans were also finding their own ways of remembering the former president who led their country out of the dark days of apartheid after enduring 27 years in prison.

For example, tattoo studios in the country have reported an ever-growing demand for Mandela-inspired ink.

Fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu called on South Africans to emulate Mandela’s example in a statement to mark the anniversary. READ: Mandela’s final journey on earth.

“Our obligation to Madiba is to continue to build the society he envisaged, to follow his example,” Tutu said, referring to Mandela by his clan name.

“A society founded on human rights, in which all can share in the rich bounty God bestowed on our country. In which all can live in dignity, together. A society of better tomorrows for all.”

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