Who was Nelson Mandela?
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, statesman and philanthropist. Born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in Umtata, South Africa, he was given the name Rolihlahla, a Xhosa word meaning ‘trouble maker’. In later years he became known by his clan name, Madiba.
Mandela studied law at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand before working as a lawyer in Johannesburg where he become involved in anti- and African nationalist politics. He joined the ANC in 1943 and co-founded its Youth League in 1944. In 1962, Mandela was arrested and following the Rivonia Trail, was sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiring to overthrow the state. He served 27 years in prison, and was released in 1990 after growing domestic and international pressure and fears of a civil war.
The Father of The Nation
In 1994, Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.
He served as President from 1994 – 1999 and his government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid, fostered racial reconciliation, and tackled institutionalised racism. He declined a second presidential term and became an elder statesman founding the Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
Mandela died on December 5, 2013, leaving a profound legacy. He was widely considered ‘the father of the nation’ and ‘the founding father of democracy’ in South Africa. Internationally, he is a global icon. During his time in prison in the 1980s, he was considered the most famous prisoner, and icon for millions of people who embraced the notion of human equality.
Mandela continues to be celebrated around the world. From Europe, to the Americas, to Asia and to Africa, buildings, streets, community facilities, bridges, parks, even a nuclear particle, have been named after the former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Mandela remains one of the most extraordinary individuals of all time, transcending boundaries, which made him a citizen of the world. His steadfast belief in embracing equality, diversity, and women empowerment are the embodiment of the ethos at CS Global Partners.
“Each of us, as citizens, has a role to play in creating a better world for our children,” Mandela said.
What is Mandela Day?
Nelson Mandela International Day, known as Mandela Day, is an annual global day in honour of Nelson Mandela and is celebrated every year on July 18.
Mandela Day celebrates the idea that each person has the power to transform the world by inspiring him or her to spend 67 minutes in service of his or her communities. The day encourages individuals to be active citizens in their community and to start initiatives like delivering food parcels, teaching online, making donations, or making masks and protective gear.
On his 90th birthday, in London’s Hyde Park, Mandela said: “It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is your hands now.” This call-to-action started a worldwide movement for social change.
Why 67 Minutes?
“Mandela Day calls on us all, every day, to make the world a better place. Each year on 18 July we look back on what has been done, and forward to what will be done,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation said.
Nelson Mandela spent 67 years fighting injustice and campaigning for the human rights of every South African. By dedicating 67 minutes of their time, one minute for every year of Madiba’s service, people can give back to their communities.
“Today we should all ask ourselves: What have I done to improve the surroundings in which I live? Do I litter or do I protect my surroundings? Do I buy stolen goods or do I help reduce crime?” Nelson Mandela
