JOHANNESBURG, June 16: Nelson Mandela on Monday urged South Africans to put aside racial differences in a video address for the country’s Youth Day, a rare appearance for the anti-apartheid icon as he approaches 90.

“The struggle for democracy has never been a matter pursued by one race, class, religious community or gender among South Africans,” he said in the video aired in Cape Town as part of Youth Day activities.

“As future leaders of this country, your challenge is to foster a nation in which all people irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion or creed can ascertain a social cohesion fully.

“Mindful of your own challenges, you must continue to promote the principle of relentless freedom and democracy as it is the foundation upon which issues of human rights are ingrained.” The ex-South African president, who spent 28 years in prison under the former apartheid regime, makes only rare public appearances now, but remains a highly influential figure both in the country and on the world stage.

Youth Day is held in South Africa to commemorate the Soweto uprising of young people against apartheid in 1976.

Mandela turns 90 on July 18. He was elected president when apartheid ended in 1994.—AFP