Image: Getty Images / Paul Gilham
Every year on 18 July, fondly known as Mandela Day, South Africans are reminded that Rolihlahla ‘Nelson’ Mandela’s commitment to justice can leave a lasting impact on the world.
Also see: Mandela Day plans: 5 Meaningful ways to give back
Mandela Day, the former president’s birthday, is not just a date on the calendar. It is a call to action inspired by Nelson Mandela’s lifelong dedication to equality, democracy and human dignity.
Mandela Day: The story behind 67 Minutes
The famous 67 Minutes of Service slogan was created to encourage ordinary people to give a small portion of their time to their communities.
In 2009, organisers calculated that Mandela had spent 67 years serving the cause of social justice, explains the Mandela Day website. Later discussions suggested the total may have been closer to 65 years from the time he joined the ANC in 1944. Despite the discrepancy, the campaign had already captured public attention and became the defining symbol of Mandela Day worldwide.
Today, the emphasis is less on the exact number and more on the spirit of service that Mandela represented throughout his life.
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10 Important facts about Nelson Mandela
In honour of South Africa’s first Black head of state, BONA listed interesting facts about Mandela presented by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
1. He was born in the Eastern Cape
Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Mvezo on 18 July 1918 and belonged to the Madiba clan.
2. His school teacher gave him the name Nelson
While attending primary school in Qunu, a teacher named Miss Mdingane gave him the English name Nelson.
3. He was inspired by stories of resistance
As a child, Mandela listened to elders speak about the bravery of his ancestors during wars of resistance, which shaped his desire to fight for freedom.
4. He was expelled from Fort Hare
Mandela studied at the University College of Fort Hare but did not complete his degree there as he had joined a student protest, leading to his expulsion.
5. Johannesburg changed his future
After leaving the Great Place at Mqhekezweni, Mandela arrived in Johannesburg in 1941, worked as a mine security officer and met influential figures including Walter Sisulu.
6. He helped form the ANC Youth League
Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944 and became one of the founders of the ANC Youth League.
7. He co-founded a groundbreaking law firm
In 1952, Mandela and Oliver Tambo established Mandela & Tambo, one of South Africa’s first black-owned law firms.
8. His Rivonia Trial speech became historic
During the Rivonia Trial, Mandela told the court that he had fought against both white and black domination and was prepared to die for the ideal of a democratic and free society.
9. He spent 27 years in prison
Mandela was imprisoned from 1962 until 1990, spending most of that time on Robben Island before being transferred to Pollsmoor and later Victor Verster Prison.
10. He became South Africa’s first democratically elected president
On 10 May 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as the country’s first democratically elected president after South Africa’s first democratic election.
Why Mandela’s legacy continues to resonate
Mandela’s story is often told through major milestones — prison, freedom, the presidency and the Nobel Peace Prize — but his influence reaches beyond politics.
He consistently promoted democracy, reconciliation and education, even after decades of imprisonment. He stepped down after a single term as president and continued working through organisations such as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
For many South Africans, Mandela Day is a reminder that social change is not only the responsibility of leaders. Small acts of service can also contribute to a more just society.
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