July 18 this year is special with a twist of pain as it is the first celebration of our country’s beloved father, Nelson Mandela’s birthday since his death on December 5.
The United Nations officially declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, where everyone is inspired to give 67 Minutes for Mandela.
“Free yourself, free others, serve every day,” is one of Mandela’s sayings that those who serve have to keep in mind on July 18.
The message behind Mandela Day is simple – each individual has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better.
If each one gives 67 minutes of their year to serve, we would be living Nelson Mandela’s legacy and helping to build our country.
Mandela Day is dynamic and belongs to everyone and can take place anywhere, at any time.
Some of the important dates in Nelson Mandela’s life were:
- June 12, 1964: sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island (later moved to Pollsmoor Prison and then Victor Verster Prison)
- 1985: amidst prolonged mass protests against the apartheid system, the ANC initiates talks with the regime.
- February 1990: released from prison.
- 1993: awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with FW de Klerk.
- April 27, 1994: first multi-racial elections held in South Africa with full enfranchisement, with the ANC winning a strong majority.
- May 10, 1994: Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president, standing down in 1999 after one term.
- December 5, 2013: Nelson Mandela passed away in Johannesburg at the age of 95.
The Addie already received many invitations from individuals and businesses to capture this day’s giving.
Send your photos, not smaller than 1mb and not bigger than 3mb to annalier@caxton.co.za
