Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated annually on July 18th, marking the birthday of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and a global icon for peace and justice. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on July 18, 2010. It is a day to honor Mandela’s legacy and promote his values through community service and activism.
Mandela Day encourages individuals and communities worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to volunteering and community service, representing the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice. This can include activities such as helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations, or advocating for positive social change. The day is a reminder of the power of individual actions to make a difference in the world, reflecting Mandela’s belief in the capacity for every person to contribute to a better future.
In November 2009 – in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, UN General Assembly declares 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day”. Resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice. The resolution acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
Theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2024:
Nelson Mandela International Day (2024) will be observed this year with the theme “Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands.”
Famous Quotes by Nelson Mandela:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice.”
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”
“It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it
Birth
Nelson Mandela, born Rolihlahla Mandela on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, a small village in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, was a revolutionary anti-apartheid leader, philanthropist, and the first black president of South Africa. He is celebrated globally for his dedication to fighting racial oppression and promoting reconciliation.
Early Life and Education
Mandela was born into the Thembu royal family. His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, was a local chief and counselor to the monarch. After his father’s death, Mandela was taken under the guardianship of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the acting regent of the Thembu people. He attended local Methodist schools and later enrolled at the University of Fort Hare, a prestigious black institution, where he began his studies in law.
Political Activism
In 1944, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) and co-founded its Youth League. He became increasingly involved in anti-colonial and African nationalist politics, advocating for non-violent resistance against the apartheid regime. However, after the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and the subsequent banning of the ANC, Mandela and his colleagues turned to armed struggle and co-founded the military wing of the ANC, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation).
Imprisonment
In 1962, Mandela was arrested and convicted of sabotage and other charges. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Rivonia Trial in 1964. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, primarily on Robben Island, where he became a symbol of the struggle against apartheid. During his incarceration, international pressure on the South African government grew, leading to increasing calls for his release.
Nelson Mandela was democratically elected as the President of South Africa in 1994, after serving 27 years in prison under the country’s apartheid regime. On 3 October 1994, Mandela delivered his first General Assembly address as President of South Africa. #TBT #MandelaDay pic.twitter.com/YEtXPPmfLP
— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) July 18, 2024
Release and Presidency
Mandela was released from prison on February 11, 1990. He led negotiations to dismantle apartheid and establish multiracial elections in 1994, which resulted in his election as South Africa’s first black president. His presidency (1994-1999) focused on reconciliation, nation-building, and establishing a new constitution that enshrined equal rights for all South Africans.
Legacy and Death
After stepping down as president, Mandela continued to work on peace and social justice issues through the Nelson Mandela Foundation. He received numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela’s legacy is commemorated worldwide for his profound impact on human rights and justice.
Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. He remains an enduring symbol of the fight for freedom, equality, and human dignity.