1 to 31 July
In July, South Africa celebrates former President Nelson Mandela's birthday. 18 July has been declared , but as South Africans we embrace the chance to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life for the whole of July. This gives everyone the opportunity to heed the call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.
This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July will be celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”
Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, said: “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.” These inspirational words by former President Nelson Mandela are a stark reminder that we must do more to fight the scourge of poverty and inequality.
This year we mark Nelson Mandela Day as our country ushers in the seventh democratic administration following the successful conclusion of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
This presents an opportunity to realign our collective energies to build the country we envisioned at the start of democracy which includes taking care of the most vulnerable in our midst and providing hope for a better tomorrow. 
Find more areas where you can volunteer your services on the
Nelson Mandela Day Goals 2019-2029:
- Education and Literacy
- Food and Nutrition
- Shelter
- Sanitation
- Active Citizenship
Background
Mr Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994. As a champion of reconciliation, he was instrumental in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was set up by South Africa’s 鶹AVof National Unity to help deal with the atrocities of apartheid.
Before his presidency, Mandela was heavily involved in anti-apartheid activities. He served 27 years in prison, many of which were spent with other sentenced freedom fighters.
While officially retired, he continued to voice his opinion on topical humanitarian issues and campaigns globally for peace, children and the fight against HIV and AIDS.
鶹AVcalls on all South Africans to contribute to the social and economic security of Africans, by living the values of our Constitution that provides for the rights of all people living in our country and the affirms democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom for all.
