Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela birthday on 18 July is celebrated as Mandela Day. He is one of South Africa’s greatest heroes. Not only is he loved and adored by South Africans, he is also revered internationally.
On this day, South Africans people come together to celebrate the life of the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. It seems only fitting that we give 67 minutes of our time on this day, whether it’s supporting a chosen charity or serving in the local community.
Since his death in 2013, Mandela’s legacy has continued to inspire people to work for equality and social justice. We all should take a part and celebrate this day.
What to do on Mandela Day?
Mandela Day was first observed on July 18, 2009, and was sponsored primarily by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. To celebrate and raise awareness about this day, make a poster or create a chalk mural on the sidewalk that includes portraits of Mandela.
You can check up on all your family, neighbours, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances, with whom you have lost touch. It will be great to ensure that they are in good health and encourage each other to stay optimistic during this crisis.
Help poor people in need of basic amenities like food, clothing, and shelter.
Get out in your community and lend a hand by devoting some time to volunteering. You can volunteer for as a little or as long as you want, and you’re sure to feel good about the positive impact you have made afterwards.
Mandela Day Focus Areas 2019 – 2029
- Education & Literacy
- Food & Nutrition
- Shelter
- Support a charity
- Sanitation
- Active Citizenship
Mandela Day Ideas and Activities 2023
- Cleaning and sanitizing the neighborhood.
- Help in the education of children
- Donate a wheelchair to the hospital nearby
- Donate medical, sanitary, and hygiene-related packs to the needy.
- Offer food or ration to the hungry in the community.
- Join online groups celebrating the day.
- Donate books to your local library.
- Donate to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Nelson Mandela Life Facts
- The first International Nelson Mandela Day was held in New York.
- On 27 April 2009, the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invited the global community to join them in support of an official Mandela Day.
- Mandela retired from politics in 1999 but remained a global advocate for peace until his death.
- In 1993, Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on the peaceful end of apartheid and laying the foundation for a new democracy for South Africa.
- He spent 27 years in prison in the struggle against apartheid, but neither he himself ever gave up, nor did he allow his supporters to believe.
- Government of India honored him with India’s highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1990. Mandela is the first foreigner to receive the Bharat Ratna.
- Nelson Mandela is also known as the Gandhi of Africa.
- Mandela was imprisoned from 1962-1990 for treason and conspiracy against the government.
- Mandela has been married three times.
The main purpose of Mandela Day is to make people aware of better works and to inspire them to cooperate with each other for good purposes. Apart from this, this day is also celebrated with the aim of promoting peace around the world by the struggle and contribution made by him for the establishment of democracy at the international level.