A visitor observes posters at the opening of an international exhibition of 95 posters from around the world celebrating the 95 years of the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela, at the University of Pretoria, in Pretoria, South Africa Wednesday, July 17, 2013. The group of young South African designers who created the Mandela Poster Project Collective to offer a global perspective of Mandela said on Wednesday that more than 700 posters were submitted by designers from more than 70 countries, and the collection will be exhibited around the world and eventually be auctioned to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Children?s Hospital Trust. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
A visitor observes posters at the opening of an international exhibition of 95 posters from around the world celebrating the 95 years of the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela, at the University of Pretoria, in Pretoria, South Africa Wednesday, July 17, 2013. The group of young South African designers who created the Mandela Poster Project Collective to offer a global perspective of Mandela said on Wednesday that more than 700 posters were submitted by designers from more than 70 countries, and the collection will be exhibited around the world and eventually be auctioned to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Children?s Hospital Trust. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
A visitor uses his phone to take a photo of one of the posters at the opening of an international exhibition of 95 posters from around the world celebrating the 95 years of the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela, at the University of Pretoria, in Pretoria, South Africa Wednesday, July 17, 2013. The group of young South African designers who created the Mandela Poster Project Collective to offer a global perspective of Mandela said on Wednesday that more than 700 posters were submitted by designers from more than 70 countries, and the collection will be exhibited around the world and eventually be auctioned to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Children?s Hospital Trust. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Ayanda Mkhize, 7, writes a get-well message on a painting of Nelson Mandela made by another class at the St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls and left outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Nelson Mandela has made "dramatic progress," and may be going home "anytime soon," his daughter Zindzi said Wednesday on the eve of his 95th birthday, a day declared by the United Nations as a way to recognize the Nobel Prize winner's contribution to reconciliation. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
A man only known as Kobus, holds a ruling party poster with former South African President Nelson Mandela's face outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where he is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa Wednesday, July 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A banner with images of former South African president Nelson Mandela, is hung inside the St. George?s Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, July 17, 2013. As Nelson Mandela lies critically ill in a Pretoria hospital, the world is preparing to celebrate his 95th birthday on Thursday, a day declared by the United Nations as a way to recognize the Nobel Prize winner's contribution to reconciliation.(AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
JOHANNESBURG (AP) ? South Africa celebrated Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday on Thursday, a milestone capped by news that the former president's health was improving after fears that he was close to death during ongoing hospital treatment.
Schools around the country honored the anti-apartheid leader in morning assemblies, and numerous groups have asked people to volunteer 67 minutes to charity to match what they say are the 67 years that Mandela served his community.
The United Nations has declared the day 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.
"Madiba remains in hospital in Pretoria but his doctors have confirmed that his health is steadily improving," said a statement released by the office of President Jacob Zuma.
"We are proud to call this international icon our own as South Africans and wish him good health," Zuma said in the statement. He thanked South Africans for supporting Mandela during his hospitalization with "undying love and compassion" and responding to a call to give the beloved figure "the biggest birthday celebration ever this year."
Mandela was taken to a hospital on June 8 for treatment for a recurring lung infection. In previous announcements, the government said he was in critical but stable condition. Court documents filed by Mandela's family earlier this month had said Mandela was on life support and near death.
But on the eve of Mandela's birthday, one of his daughters, Zindzi, said in an interview with Britain's Sky TV that her father was gaining strength and may be going home "anytime soon."
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