On the initiative of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, the Scottish Government and ACTSA Scotland, this year saw the first marking of Nelson Mandela Day in Scotland. Recognised both in South Africa and internationally, Nelson Mandela's birthday has been declared a focus for community service of all kinds. In South Africa public figures are encouraged to join the wider community in 67 minutes of voluntary work to mark the 67 years that Nelson Mandela spent in public service - including the 27 years he served in prison for opposing apartheid.