Nelson Mandela Day!

Every year on the 18th of July, people all over the world come together to honour the life and legacy of a man who changed the lives of millions of people. This man, Rohlihlahla Nelson Mandela,  instilled hope in a nation that was torn apart by hatred. He chose forgiveness where many would have chosen revenge. He taught us that love, respect and forgiveness are the most important ways to dissolve hate and bring about change. 

“Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.” – Nelson Mandela

Every year on the 18th of July, people all over the world come together to work towards Nelson Mandela’s ultimate goal of making the world a better place.  “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all” – Mandela’s gentle reminder that we are responsible for our own future and – that with enough hard work, dedication and unity – we can make the world a better place. 

“You can start changing our world for the better daily, no matter how small the action.” –  Nelson Mandela

On the 18th of July, we reflect on the progress we have already made in improving the lives of those who are less fortunate, and begin working on what still needs to be done to eliminate poverty, violence and hate. In honouring Mandela and his legacy, NGOs such as the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) work consistently to find solutions to humanity’s biggest problems and to “mobilize the legacy of Nelson Mandela”. 

“While poverty persists, there is no true freedom” – Nelson Mandela

On the 18th of July we come together to take part in projects that help change the lives of those living in impoverished or underprivileged areas. The NMF have drafted a plan dedicated to honouring Mandela’s goal to eliminate poverty.  This plan is split into five target categories: 

Education

The end goal is for every young person to have access to quality education and learning resources. 

Shelter 

This focuses on the provision of safe, comfortable housing for families to live in and the elimination of homelessness. 

Sanitation 

This focuses on ensuring that every community having access to clean, safe sanitation systems. 

Nutrition 

The focuses on eliminating hunger and malnutrition.

Active citizenship 

This focuses on supporting projects taking action against poverty. 

“Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.” – Nelson Mandela 

On the 18th of July, you can be part of the movement of people pushing our country further away from poverty, inequality and hate, and closer towards prosperity, respect and love for all. 

As we celebrate the birthday of this great man, let us remember one of the most important lessons he left with us: 

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

To gather some ideas on what you can do to make a positive impact on Mandela day, visit the website linked below:

https://www.iol.co.za/news/67-ways-to-help-on-mandela-day-1341266