Nelson Mandela Month | South African Government

July 2013

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.

Government focuses on health and education for Mandela Month 2013.

The Department of Education last year launched the 94+ Projects for Madiba to celebrate his life, by renovating and improving schools, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities. The Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) builds on that.

The Department of Health civil society and the academic sector are working together on the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital project. The hospital will be one of the most inspiring legacies of this remarkable statesman and leader of our people, and we humbly invite all sectors to actively support this project, President Jacob Zuma said in a statement.

What can you do for Mandela Month

Here are some ideas on how you can contribute:

Contact your local HIV organisation and find out how you can help.
Help out at your local hospice.
Many terminally ill people have no friends or family who can visit them. Take a little time to have a chat and find out what they need.
Donate toys to the children's ward at your local hospital.
Tutor kids in a school subject you are good at.
Donate your old computer to a school.
Donate books to a school.

Find more areas where you can volunteer your services on the Nelson Mandela Day website.

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.

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.

Government departments also organised events for Mandela Month where public servants could donate their time.

Information on Nelson Mandela Day and Nelson Mandela's legacy