"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela

Friday marked the 96th birth anniversary of the Great Madiba, Nelson Mandela, who fought for equality and justice in his country, South Africa, and put an end to apartheid.

According to website All Africa, it will be a bittersweet celebration of the great man who had just died last year.

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A student from Johannesburg said that she was very excited although she greatly wished Mandeka were still alive considering the freedom he has given to all South Africans.

Mandela's example also encouraged some people to continue kindness through charity work, which empowered  them to alleviate the suffering of their fellow Africans.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 at Umtata District. Being the son of a tribal chief, he received a good education graduating with a degree in law from the University of Witwastersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He became part of the ANC Youth League with colleagues Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu. He then married Sisulu's cousin Evelyn Mase.

When apartheid was introduced into South Africa by the National Party, Nelson Mandela stood up and became the leader of the Defiance Campaign which encouraged people to stand up for equal rights and break racial separation laws.

After years of fighting for equalization and 27 years of imprisonment, he rose to power and became the first African black president.

He didn't hold grudges against those who wronged him and hundreds of other who fought for equlity.

Mandela appeared during the Rugby World Cup Final in 1995 in Johannesburg wearing South African colors to support and later congratulate the victorious team.

There, at the Ellis Park Stadium, 63,000 white people rose to their feet and chanted "Nelson! Nelson! Nelson!" showing their support for the president.

Mandela was widely respected and loved not just by South Africans but all over the world because of the courage and humility he showed while fighting oppression.