Celebrating Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela displayed an unwavering commitment to social justice, human rights and dignity for men and women, and the essence of Mandela Day – to take action, inspire change, and make every day a Mandela Day – is more important than ever before. His Foundation, now more than ever, wants to highlight his work and encourage others to do the same, as well as the man himself.
Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela's birthday to celebrate his extraordinary life’s work and legacy. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. The day also encourages citizens to spend 67 minutes in service of others in an effort to promote peace and end poverty, two things he fought for over the course of his lifetime.
Mandela was born on July 18, 1918. He was a South African who spent almost 30 years in prison for fighting against the discriminatory apartheid system of racial segregation in the country. He had served as President from 1994 to 1999, as the country's first multiethnic government.
This year, inspired by the Congress of South African Students mantra, Each One Teach One, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is calling on South Africa and other countries around the world to take action and play their part in the COVID-19 #Each1Feed1 campaign.
By collaborating with old and new partners, the initiative is seeking to bring relief to the plight of food insecurity during and after the crisis we are facing due to the pandemic and the lockdown. The idea is for all South Africans, as well as the public, to contribute to a food distribution network by donating to the Foundation. The Foundation will also be distributing food hampers to support families for a minimum of three months and everyone is invited to contribute to the initiative by donating HERE.
And for the day that’s in it, below is a selection of our favourite words from the man himself:
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."
“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
“We must use time wisely and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do right.”
"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."
