Johannesburg  - South African President Jacob Zuma vowed to follow in the footsteps of the country's legendary first president Nelson Mandela on the occasion of the anti-apartheid icon's 91st birthday Saturday.

"Sit at home as a pensioner and have no worries that the (ruling African National Congress) ANC is in good hands," Zuma told Mandela, adding: "We will follow your example forever."

While a string of stars were preparing to perform at a concert in aid of his HIV/AIDS charity in New York, Mandela spent the day at home in Johannesburg with family, including his wife Graca Machel and former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

In the morning he was visited by Zuma and the entire top leadership of the ANC, who presented him with a framed photograph of himself in combat gear among other gifts.

"The thing that makes me very happy is the presence of the President and the leaders of this country," Mandela was quoted by his foundation as telling the private function. "I thank you very much, I am truly grateful."

Across the country, South Africans from all walks of life marked the first Mandela Day by volunteering at least 67 minutes of their time to charitable work at his request.

The 67 minutes relates to his 67 years of service to his people since entering politics at 24.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for defying white minority rule (apartheid). His tireless pursuit of unity between black and white South Africans on his release made him an icon of forgiveness.

In 1994, he was elected president in the country's euphoric first multi-racial, democratic elections. He stepped down after a single term in 1999 and has since devoted his efforts mainly to charitable work.(dpa)