On Thursday 18 July 2013 the world will mark the 95th birthday of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – as well as celebrate the fourth Nelson Mandela International Day, an initiative that aims to encourage people across the globe to take positive action to help make our world a much better place.
Communities worldwide are also urged to seize the opportunity offered by the initiative to encourage a new and better beginning for others, such that would ‘make every day a Mandela Day’.
For those who are passionate about the day and want to participate, organisers say they need to do just one thing – hold on to the ethical agenda of selfless service to humanity. This is the cornerstone on which both the day and the life of Nelson Mandela are set.
“One message drives this vision,” the organisers continued. “Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for social justice and human rights. The Mandela Day campaign asks that individuals, groups and corporates use just 67 minutes of their time on 18 July, and every day thereafter, to give back.”
This could be anything, from very simple issues like inspiring your neighbours, especially young people on summer break from school, to helping to raise funds on the day for good causes.
In the words of Mandela himself: “What counts in life is not the mere fact 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.” This is our time to make that difference.
