Civil awards and decorations

Nelson Mandela led South Africa out of the apartheid era and on Tuesday, South Africa honored him by putting his face on the face of the country’s money. The new, advanced security bills feature Africa’s indigenous animals on the reverse side.

The 75-year-old former playwright became the first president of Czechoslovakia after communist rule and oversaw the peaceful separation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Though he’s still living, Nelson Mandela, the revered former leader of South Africa, makes fewer and fewer public appearances. Now 93, many South Africans are preparing for the day Nelson Mandela will no longer be alive.

Greensboro-based hip-hop group Phive paid tribute to Nelson Mandela’s birthday today by releasing a special song. Marco Werman speaks with singer and songwriter Afika Nxumalo about his connection to South Africa and the song he penned called “Madiba.”