Nelson Mandela International Day

Nelson Mandela International Day History

Nelson Mandela International Day is a global observance that honours the late South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nelson Mandela. Launched by the United Nations in 2009, the day aims to inspire people to embrace the values Mandela embodied, such as democracy, justice, and human rights. The focus of this observance is to encourage individuals and communities to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to make a meaningful impact, reflecting the 67 years Mandela devoted to fighting for social justice, human rights, and a free and democratic South Africa.

The initiative was inspired by Mandela's call for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world's social injustices during his 90th birthday celebration in London. New Zealand has a history of solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement, which rallied against South Africa's policies and segregation of minority populations. Nelson Mandela's courageous struggle for freedom and equality has significantly influenced race relations and social justice in New Zealand, resonating with the indigenous Māori community and prompting open discussions about cultural diversity and tolerance.

In New Zealand, Nelson Mandela International Day is marked by various charitable and educational activities. Individuals, community groups, and organizations are encouraged to participate by donating their time and resources to help those in need, engaging in conversations around social justice and human rights, and raising awareness of the values that Mandela represented. The observance takes place every year on July 18, which is Mandela's birthday, providing a fitting tribute to one of the world's most inspirational leaders and activists.

Facts about Nelson Mandela International Day

• Nelson Mandela had six children.
• Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison and ended up spending over 27 years in prison. He was eventually released from prison due to secret talks he had with the president of South Africa at the time, F.W. de Klerk.
• In 1997, Nelson Mandela was granted an honorary citizenship of New Zealand. This was a symbolic gesture that acknowledged his contributions to global peace, justice, and human rights.
• During the 1981 Springbok Tour, New Zealand witnessed one of its largest civil protests when the controversial South African rugby team toured the country. Many New Zealanders saw it as endorsing apartheid, and people took to the streets in massive, often-violent demonstrations to show their opposition to South Africa's apartheid policy.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Nelson Mandela International Day

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Devote 67 minutes of your day to helping others (volunteering, helping mom, cleaning, etc.). For 67 years, Nelson Mandela fought for humanity and on every July 18th, Mandela's birthday, the UN and the NMF ask citizens of the world to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others.
• Nominate someone or an organization that you think serves every day. If you think they make a positive change in your community you can nominate those you think deserve acknowledgement as a Madiba Change Maker by sharing their stories on social media with the hashtag #Time2Serve.
• Watch Invictus(2009). Directed by Clint Eastwood, this movie details the events leading up to and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa after Apartheid was dismantled. Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela, who uses the event to unite his divided nation.
• Read Mandela's Way: Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage by Richard Stengel