1 to 31 July 2014
In July, South Africa celebrates former president Nelson Mandela's birthday. 18 July has been declared Nelson Mandela International Day, 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.
A global movement for positive change begins with small actions. As each person acts, they fuel momentum toward positive change, raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mr Mandela’s values – fighting injustice, helping people in need and practicing reconciliation.
2014 is particularly symbolic as we work to honour a great South African statesman and make every day a Mandela Day as we mark South Africa’s 20 years of democratic freedom.
Find more areas where you can volunteer your services on the Nelson Mandela Day website.
President Jacob Zuma's Mandela Day Video Message 2014
President Jacob Zuma's Mandela Day audio message 2014 [mp3]
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 Government of 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. He passed away on 5 December 2014.
Government calls 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.
News on Mandela Month
- SA Government News Agency
- Brand South Africa
- Government statements and events
- Government activities
- Imbizo Focus Week events
- Follow events on Twitter: #MandelaDay
Information on Nelson Mandela Day and Nelson Mandela's legacy
- Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa)
- Nelson Mandela International Day (about; news; activities; gallery; media/resources)
- United Nations: Nelson Mandela International Day
- www.mandela.gov.za - website devoted to Nelson Mandela's legacy and funeral
- Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory – the life and times of Nelson Mandela
- Nelson Mandela Children's Fund
- 46664.com
- Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development
- Brand South Africa: Nelson Mandela
- SA Government News Agency feature on Mandela Month
- Frequently asked questions
- Moral Regeneration Month
