Mandela Day - Nelson Mandela will be 94 years old

“It is time for new hands to lift the burdens” – Nelson Mandela, 2008

Following Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday in June 2008, it was decided to celebrate Mr Mandela’s birthday each year with a day dedicated to his life’s work and that of his charitable organisations, and to ensure his legacy continues forever.

From 2010, 18 July was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Nelson Mandela International Day. This day also coincides with the icon’s birthday. The celebration of this international day recognises and gives credence to the former President’s commitment to human rights, conflict resolution and reconciliation.

Mandela Day is an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a global call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them and was created to inspire people to embrace the values of democracy and contribute towards the ideals of ensuring a just and fair  society.                                    

Nelson Mandela has given 67 years of his life in service. On Mandela Day we ask individuals to give at least 67 minutes of their time in service to their communities in whichever way they choose. Although the 67 minutes call is symbolic, we urge people to become involved in good works on an ongoing basis, thereby helping to create a movement for good.

A global movement for positive change begins with small actions. Each person who responds to this call, should decide for themselves what they would like to do, and then do it as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. As he has reminded us, “it’s in our hands” to create a better world and we take inspiration from his example to take responsibility for ourselves and to understand our responsibility for others.

The Mandela Day campaign welcomes the involvement of individuals, organizations, companies and NGOs and encourages them to do something good to improve their communities.

IACCP 2012 delegates will have the opportunity to support celebrate Nelson Mandela's birthday on the 18th July 2012 and support this campaign by purchasing a Mandela day t-shirt when you register. Click here to view the t-shirts.

To book a Robben Island tour, Click Here