MANDELA DAY 2021: ARISE & BUILD

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead" - These are the famous words late President Nelson Mandela spoke.

If ever there was a perfect time to look beyond yourself and your own circumstances, and look to those around you in need, it would be right now, today as we celebrate the life of a legend. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a person that needs no introduction. He showed the world what forgiveness and the epiphany of peace looks like.

I am sure, just like me, that you are devastated at the state of our nation. Today we fly our flags at half-mast. For all those who have died from Covid or other causes. For those whose jobs or businesses have been lost by looting, corruption, or lockdowns. For those who have been traumatised by events of the last few days. For those who are anxious, fearful or without hope. For those who are hungry, unemployed, and desperate for a better life. We grieve this state of brokenness. We mourn the loss of life and livelihoods. We lament the lawlessness and the lack of public figures to show us a better way.

But I want to encourage you this day not to not allow the state of our nation to determine the state of our hope, faith, and love for our ever-vibrant country, South Africa. Let us not serum to the temptation of hopelessness, fear, and hatred.

But let us rather choose to Arise and Build.

What is Mandela day?

Nelson Mandela International Day, is a day celebrated across the world in honour of Mandela and was officially declared as an international day by the United Nations in November of 2009, with the first ever Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010.

Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan in the village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape, on 18 July 1918. Hearing the elders’ stories of his ancestors’ valour during the wars of resistance, he dreamed of making his own contribution to the freedom struggle of his people. He was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, statesman and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black president and the first president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Read his full Biography here.

Mandela rose from his circumstances after 27 years of imprisonment and chose to build South Africa into the democracy we know today. On this special day, the world takes 67 minutes out of their busy lives, to stand still and contribute in whatever small way to people in need. Mandela day is about making a positive impact in the world by a small act of kindness, donating to a worthy cause or serving somewhere in your community.

Why and how do we celebrate Mandela Day?

Why 67 minutes for Mandela Day, you may ask? Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years of his life and by devoting 67 minutes of our time – one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service – we can take a step towards a global movement for good.

The theme for this year is #Actionagainstpoverty. The call for all South Africans this coming Mandela Day, is for us to portray true solidarity and ubuntu to address the food insecurity and arising from our inert state to build food security. The Nelson Mandela Foundation launched a campaign in 2020 – One hand can feed another, to meet the immediate need of the most vulnerable communities. According to Ipsos, a staggering 46% of adult South Africans surveyed in late 2020, said that their households often had to go to bed hungry during the Covid-19 pandemic, as they did not have enough money for food”. You can support the Each1Feed1 campaign here.

Here are more options to choose from if you need inspiration on how to arise and build in your community this Mandela Day.

“It’s easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who build and make peace.” – Nelson Mandela

Build with your actions and words this Mandela Day

Arise and build because you're building towards a better South Africa.

Arise & Build South Africa.

“Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica”