On July 18, 2009, the world saw the birth of Nelson Mandela International Day

a day dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest champions of social justice. Born on July 18, 1918, Nelson Mandela’s enduring impact continues to inspire millions globally.

In the fifteen years since its inception, Mandela Day has become a profound annual event, symbolizing a commitment to bettering the world. What began with the well-known “67 Minutes of Service” has evolved into a broader call to action. The idea was simple: spend 67 minutes – one for each year of Mandela’s public service – making a difference in your community.

However, the campaign quickly outgrew its initial framework. “The 67 Minutes initiative was just the beginning,” explains Tshepang Motsekuoa, head of communication and marketing at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. “While it sparked incredible acts of service, we realized the need for a more sustainable approach to honoring Madiba’s legacy.”

In 2011, this realization led to the introduction of the “Make Every Day a Mandela Day” campaign. This new slogan encouraged people to embed the values Mandela stood for into their daily lives, transforming his legacy from a single day of action into a year-round movement.

“From community gardens to literacy programs, the impact of this shift has been tremendous,” says Motsekuoa. “People everywhere began to see Mandela Day not as an isolated event but as a continuous opportunity to contribute to social change.”

The theme for this year’s Mandela Day revisits Mandela’s enduring message: “It is still in your hands.” These words serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against poverty and inequality and the role each person can play in this fight.

“In today’s challenging times, Mandela’s message is more relevant than ever,” Motsekuoa continues. “No external force will come to our rescue; it is up to us to uphold his legacy through our daily actions.”

With a focus on sustainable impact, the foundation encourages everyone to think beyond short-term charity. “Mandela Day is about fostering long-term change,” Motsekuoa emphasizes. “It’s about creating a culture where people are continuously inspired to improve their communities and stand against injustice, not just for a day but every day.”

As the world celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day, let’s remember that the true essence of Madiba’s legacy lies in our hands. Each act of kindness, each effort to fight for justice, no matter how small, is a step towards a better, more equitable world.

Mandela Day