On 18 July every year, the world marks International Nelson Mandela Day as an occasion to reflect on the life and legacy of the iconic South African freedom fighter. In recent years, many South Africans use the international celebration as a chance to do good in disadvantaged communities.
International Mandela Day was first celebrated in 2010 as an opportunity to highlight the idea that everyone has the power to make a difference in the world – no matter how small their beginnings.
The occasion is seen as a chance for people to do good in their communities, an effort that has particular resonance among South Africans this year, in the wake of tempestuous elections and political upheaval that has seen the ruling ANC humbled into forming a national unity coalition after 30 years of government control.
Across South Africa, clean-up operations are usually the order of the day, where each person is expected to consecrate 67 minutes of their time for a good cause.
For example, in 2021 – following several days of looting across the country – clean-up operations were the obvious choice.
In Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, several communities came together to clear away businesses covered in debris and rubbish after being vandalised.
This year, Mandela Day falls on the eve of the opening of parliament by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to usher in the seventh post-apartheid administration.
The occasion will be unique, as Ramaphosa will be addressing the nation as a president of a government of national unity for the first time.
The symbolism that Mandela Day and the 2024 parliamentary address coincide is not lost on South Africans, who are celebrating 30 years of democracy, but still face the challenges of poverty, unemployment and crime.
