19 mars 2024

18 July: Mandela Day celebration

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In July, South Africa celebrates the birthday of former president Nelson Mandela. 18 July has been declared Nelson Mandela International Day, but as South Africans we take the opportunity to celebrate Nelson Mandela's life throughout July. This gives everyone the opportunity to answer the call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make a mark and change the world around them.

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

A global movement for positive change starts with small actions. Each person who takes action fuels the momentum for positive change, raises awareness and extends the reach of Mr Mandela's values: fighting injustice, helping those in need and practicing reconciliation.

Nelson Mandela Day objectives 2019-2029:

- Education and literacy
- Food and nutrition
- Shelter
- Sanitation
- Active citizenship 
- Background

Mr. Mandela became South Africa's first democratically elected president in 1994. A champion of reconciliation, he was instrumental in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, set up by South Africa's government of national unity to help deal with the atrocities of apartheid.

Prior to his presidency, Mandela was heavily involved in anti-apartheid activities. He spent 27 years in prison, much of it with other convicted freedom fighters.

Although officially retired, he has continued to speak out on topical humanitarian issues and campaign around the world for peace, children and the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The government calls on all South Africans to contribute to the social and economic security of Africans, living the values of our Constitution, which provides for the rights of all people living in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom for all.

 

MamP's

© Photo Credits : UNC World View - University of North California