“It’s in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it” – Nelson Mandela.
South Africans will for the first time celebrate Mandela Day without the former president Nelson Mandela who passed away last year.
Mandela Day is an objective to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better.
Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated on July 18 of every year (on Mandela’s birthday).
The United Nations officially declared the day in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on July 18 2010.
Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former President, and his values, through voluntary work and community service.
The day celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, and the ability to make an impact.
The Mandela Day campaign message is:
“Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. He has asked you to start with 67 minutes.”
Nelson Mandela Day not only celebrates Nelson Mandela’s life, but it is also a global call to action for people to recognise their ability to have a positive effect on others around them.
The day hopes to inspire people to embrace the values that Mandela shared.
These values include democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation and respect.
Many people and organisations around the world take part in various activities to promote Nelson Mandela Day.
Some of the activities residents of Estcourt undertook last year on July 18 included voluntary work, donations, cleaning the town and visits to Shepstone Place.
Various events are also held on or around July 18 to honour Nelson Mandela’s works and to promote the different projects that were inspired by Mandela’s achievements.