Nelson Mandela Birthday Is Today July 18: He Turns 95

Today, July 18th, Nelson Mandela celebrates his 95th birthday. Today also marked 15 years of marriage to his wife Graca Machel.

The United Nations declared Thursday Nelson Mandela International Day as a way of recognizing the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s contribution to reconciliation. Mandela, also known by his clan name Madiba, was jailed for 27 years under white minority rule and led a difficult transition from apartheid to democracy, becoming president in all-race elections in 1994.

The ailing South African icon is currently in a Pretoria hospital for a recurring lung infection. In previous announcements, the government said he was in critical but stable condition.

Happy birthday to Nelson Mandela!