Mandela spirit recalled as the nation honors its close friend

As worldwide celebrations were launched recently to honor the first Nelson Mandela International Day without the former South African president, China and South African moved closer together by jointly celebrating his legacy.

"In line with the spirit of Nelson Mandela, we hope the event is going to touch the heart of many people and mobilize goodwill to help the unfortunate ones," South African ambassador to China said.

Bheki Langa made the remarks on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Charity Ball 2014 in Beijing to mark the UN-designated Mandela Day, the late anti-apartheid hero's birthday that fell on Friday.