Nelson Mandela Day

18 July

Nelson Mandela Day is an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a global call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.

A global movement for positive change begins with small actions. As each person acts, they fuel momentum toward positive change, raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mr Mandela’s values – fighting injustice, helping people in need and practicing reconciliation.

In his State of the Nation Address on 3 June 2009, President Jacob Zuma said:

"An international campaign has been initiated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and related organisations, called Mandela Day, which sums up what Tata stands for.

Mandela Day will be celebrated on the 18th of July each year. It will give people in South Africa and all over the world the opportunity to do something good to help others.

Madiba was politically active for 67 years, and on Mandela Day people all over the world, in the workplace, at home and in schools, will be called upon to spend at least 67 minutes of their time doing something useful within their communities, especially among the less fortunate.

Let us wholeheartedly support Mandela Day and encourage the world to join us in this wonderful campaign. "

Cabinet on 1 July 2009 endorsed the call to declare 18 July as global Mandela Day. Cabinet calls on all South Africans, civil society organisations and the citizens of the world to support the Mandela Day initiative by doing good in their communities.

It is important to note that Mandela Day will not be a public holiday.

Nelson Mandela Day 2010

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Last modified: 28 June 2011 10:42:38.