Nelson Mandela International Day Launched

In honor of Nelson Mandela’s life long commitment to leadership and service, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has officially launched the Nelson Mandela International Day Campaign.  The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Mandela Centre of Memory in Houghton.

The United Nations officially declared July 18th as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, recognizing Mandela’s “values and his dedication to the service of humanity” and acknowledging his contribution “to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world”.

The day has been created with the focus of empowering communities globally through the campaign’s slogan Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.’

Motlanthe shared his thoughts on the importance of the campaign, “In 2014, let us all support the Nelson Mandela International Day Campaign, mindful of both the global contexts and the contexts of our own communities. This is not about doing good; it is about building the cultures that will make a difference in the world.”

With the passing of Mandela in December 2013 the day holds tremendous significance, as it is a push to continue his efforts and share the importance of public service in all areas.

“This is the day that inspires all humanity to honour Mandela,” he said, adding that it unites the haves and have-nots to work together to build a better world, said Motlanthe.

The Mandela Day campaign asks that individuals, groups and corporates pledge 67 minutes of their time on July 18th and everyday thereafter to give back.

“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it” – Nelson Mandela

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