On 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s birthday, people from across South Africa and the rest of the world will act to support Nelson Mandela’s cause for change. Many will set aside 67 minutes to give back and better the lives of others, influencing the country positively.
Madiba Day, as it is known among South Africans, is an internationally recognised day and inspired by the late former South African president. The concept behind the Mandela Day campaign is that everybody is capable and responsible to influence change, starting in their own communities. For Mandela’s legacy to be dynamic, current youth and future generations ought to act in accordance to his will.
The campaign aims to show importance of good deeds in our daily lives, from the smallest to the most significant. Its objective is to encourage individuals to act to change the world while creating a universal movement for good.
The participation of youth on Mandela Day is emphasised because they can use this as an opportunity to change the little that can impact the massive. This is a campaign with a motive that also reminds us that every day, rather than one day in a year, is a chance to move the world to a better future through the good.
Everyone is urged to participate in assisting the world become a better place through their actions. On his 90th birthday, Madiba stated: ‘It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all’, implying that his 67 years were over, and our 67 minutes had begun.
Initiating small change in the community leads to bigger, more meaningful global actions in the future – this is the notion behind Mandela Day. Through moral courtesy, respect to our environment and support towards each other, we can change the world.
