President Jacob Zuma originally proposed Mandela Day in 2009 to spur a statewide drive to engage the people in charity activities. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) paid homage to Dr. Nelson Mandela in November 2009 by passing a resolution to raise international awareness of his humanitarian efforts.
The United Nations General Assembly designated July 18 as International Nelson Mandela Day in 2010. This day also happens to be the icon’s birthday. This worldwide day honors and validates former President Nelson Mandela’s dedication to human rights, conflict resolution, and reconciliation.
Nelson Mandela Day is a global call to action for individuals to acknowledge their power to make a good impact on others around them, as well as a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life.
Democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation, and respect are among these principles. The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Worldwide Nelson Mandela Day have launched an international campaign that encapsulates everything Mandela stands for. It allows individuals in South Africa and throughout the world to do something kind for others for 67 minutes, in honor of the 67 years Madiba spent battling apartheid. Many people and organizations throughout the world participate in a variety of events to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day.
Volunteering, sports, art, education, music, and culture are examples of these activities. On or around July 18, several activities are also organized to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s accomplishments and to promote the various projects that were inspired by Mandela’s successes. On July 1, 2009, the Cabinet accepted the demand to designate July 18th as Global Mandela Day. Nelson Mandela International Day was re-established by the United Nations in November 2009. All South Africans, civil society organizations, and global individuals supported the Mandela Day campaign by doing acts of kindness in their areas.
Celebrations in South Africa
Every year on July 18, South Africans and the world community commemorate the late Nelson Mandela by observing Nelson Mandela International Day. This is an annual worldwide humanitarian day commemorating Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. It is also a catalyst for encouraging everyone to alter the world via volunteer community service.
