The Very First Nelson Mandela Day

Celebrations around the globe marked Nelson Mandela's - the Father of the Nation - 91st Birthday

The world is beginning to stand up and pay tribute to, arguably the most iconic politician, Nelson Mandela. Mandela has made his mark on the world as so much more than a politician; he has worked to make his country, South Africa, and the world a better place.

This year 18 July marks Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday and the inauguration of ‘Mandela Day,’ in celebration of his extraordinary life.

Having spent 67 of his 91 years acting in benefit of others before himself, Madiba - as he is affectionately known - has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of every South African and has brought under-publicised issues to the world stage.

Now the world is finally standing up to pay tribute to the former South African President Nelson Mandela on 18 July 2009, the inaugural Mandela Day and Madiba’s 91st birthday.

In an effort to celebrate the legacy of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela, 46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation are urging people around the world to join them in a bid to create an official Mandela Day which will be celebrated worldwide on Mandela’s birthday each year. It is therefore important that the first event goes off splendidly.

The first celebration will be hosted by New York City with a concert at Radio City Music Hall and will feature world class performers like Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Freshly Ground, Josh Groban, Matt Damon, and the Soweto Gospel Choir.

It wouldn’t be Mandela Day without our own South African celebration so we’ve decided to celebrate Mandela day in true Mother City Style at Mandela Rhodes Place. South African’s will rock to sounds of South Africa’s top musical acts at the Ubuntu Festival from 18 – 19 July.

As well as being a celebration of Mandela’s life, the annual celebration is also a global call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make a difference and change the world around them by giving of their own time.

The website, Mandeladay.com, was created to inspire people to embrace Madiba’s values by getting involved in their communities to instigate change. With slogans like “Mr. Mandela has spent 67 years making the world a better place. We’re asking you for 67 minutes” driving the campaign it is sure to stir action amongst a global community of activists.

The campaign is based on the idea that a global movement for change begins with small actions and revolves around ordinary people pledging 67 minutes of their time to whether it be reading to the elderly or getting involved in the education of underprivileged children.

Mandela Day celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an imprint on the lives of individuals, communities, and the world.

Forest Whitaker, United States, pledged to “teach a child to believe in themselves for 67 minutes,” Julie Bangle pledged to “teach 67 minutes of Yoga to those in need, and ask them to ‘pay it forward’ with their 67 minute pledge,” and Holly Wasserfall, South Africa, has pledged to raise money for the Feed The Babies Fund who feed poor children in the Townships.” What will your pledge be?

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