Nelson Mandela Day is about inculcating a culture of service that lasts beyond the 67 minutes every year on the 18th of July.
This year 2022, Nelson Mandela would have been 100 years old, and this year marks exactly 14 years since the Nelson Mandela Foundation first implemented the 67 minutes of giving back to the communities as part of commemorating the memory of the late freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela spent 67 years fighting for human rights and freedom. In 2010, the United Nations declared 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s birthday, an International Day dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s achievements.
This day is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to upholding the values Madiba stood for and to building the South Africa to which he dedicated his life.
At a time when so much of the world is overwhelmed by hardship and strife, we are inspired by Madiba’s words that “it is in our hands to make a difference and to make the world a better place”, and we are reminded that the future is in our hands.
With every year passing we become even more convinced that Madiba’s story is not unique, but rather an example of what every South African citizen can achieve if we work collectively to build a better future for all. They are performing acts of kindness and service, both big and small.
Today we are threatened by poverty, inequality, unemployment and corruption. These ills have far-reaching consequences for the social fabric of our country. If we do not confront them, they will continue to weaken our society and undermine our hard-won democracy. This is a difficult time for our country.
Nelson Mandela Day is an opportunity to remember that these problems, like so many we have faced before, are not insurmountable, but rather they can be overcome. He always reminded us that there is no easy walk to freedom and that we share a common responsibility for nation-building.
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