Mandela Day is not commemorated and celebrated as a public holiday, but is instead observed as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values, through volunteering and community service.
The day pays tribute to Mr. Mandela’s commitment to the service of others, best expressed by Mr. Mandela on the 18th May 2002, whilst speaking at the 90th birthday celebration of Walter Sisulu, at Walter Sisulu Hall in Johannesburg: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” He expressed similar sentiments in his 1994 autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Thus, Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. The day’s commemoration, is in turn entirely based on the message that Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years and that all of us are asked to set aside 67 minutes on this day in service to others.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) recognises, celebrates and commemorates the day as Mr. Nelson Mandela represents the personification of striving for South Africa to be a constitutional society, based in equality, dignity and freedom for all.
Mr. Mandela’s defense statement in 1964, at the Rivonia Trial, emphatically expressed his lifelong commitment for a constitutional and democratic South Africa, “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see realised. But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Today, as we celebrate what would have been Mr. Mandela’s 100th birthday, this Mandela day, gives all South Africans, and all people across the world an opportunity to look at the challenges we face, particularly shortcomings in the realisation of human rights, to work in each other’s service in bringing about true freedom, equality and dignity.
Mr. Mandela reminded us all that; “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
The Commission will commemorate Nelson Mandela’s legacy of human rights through a range of activities across all 9 provincial offices and at its head office in Johannesburg. (See attached)
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Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.