South Africa honors Mandela's 94th

JOHANNESBURG -- A nation divided between black and white, rich and poor, came together Wednesday to honor Nelson Mandela, the deeply loved statesman who helped bring freedom to South Africa. The good deeds done on Mandela's 94th birthday ranged from building houses to performing free eye cataract operations.

Education officials estimated nearly 12 million children kicked off celebrations with resounding "Happy Birthday" choruses in schools. Millions more South Africans joined in from offices, buses, train stations and Mandela Square, set amid the skyscrapers and exclusive boutiques of Johannesburg's Sandton City.

Mandela spent the day quietly with family and friends in Qunu village, according to a spokesman.