Celebrated annually on Mandela’s birthday, the day was declared by the United Nations in 2009 as a moment for global citizens to devote 67 minutes of service to others.photo Wikipedia
As the world prepares to mark Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, 2025, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has officially launched this year’s global campaign under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
The theme honours the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela by reminding individuals, organisations, and communities that collective action remains key to achieving justice, dignity, and equality for all.
Celebrated annually on Mandela’s birthday, the day was declared by the United Nations in 2009 as a moment for global citizens to devote 67 minutes of service to others.
Each minute symbolises a year Mandela spent in public service fighting for freedom, human rights, and democracy.
“This year’s theme is both a challenge and a call for solidarity. We are inviting the world to respond with action, to tackle poverty, fight inequity, and build a society grounded in dignity, justice, and shared humanity,” said Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Dr. Mbongiseni Buthelezi.
A Legacy of Action
Nelson Mandela—fondly known as Madiba—was a towering figure in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
His life’s work continues to inspire generations committed to fairness and human dignity.
After spending 27 years in prison, he emerged not with vengeance but with a vision of peace and reconciliation, ultimately becoming South Africa’s first democratically elected President in 1994.
That vision lives on through Mandela Day.
It is not a celebration in the traditional sense, but rather a global call to service that challenges people to take responsibility for changing the world in small but powerful ways.
This year, the Foundation is again urging people to go beyond symbolic acts—to take practical steps toward combating poverty, reducing inequality, and promoting justice.
The Mandela Day 2025 Campaign Platform
Central to this year’s campaign is the revamped Mandela Day website, which is now live.
The platform serves as a one-stop hub for connecting individuals and organisations eager to plan, share, and amplify their Mandela Day initiatives.
Whether you’re organising a community clean-up, initiating a school feeding programme, or leading a corporate volunteering effort, the website allows you to showcase your action and become part of a global movement honouring Mandela’s legacy.
Walk, Run, and Give Back
One of the flagship events of this year’s commemoration is the Annual Mandela Day Walk & Run, set to take place on Saturday, July 19, at the scenic DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
The event, supported by BP Southern Africa, Balwin Properties, and partners including Mahindra, DP World Wanderers Stadium, Lion’s Cricket, and Bloomberg, is expected to attract at least 10,000 participants.
” This event embodies the values of unity, resilience, and active living that he championed. We’re excited to contribute to an initiative that not only promotes health but also inspires collective action for a better tomorrow,” said BP Southern Africa representative Ms Eva Khosa.
Participants can choose between a 5km walk, a 10km run, or a more challenging 21km race.
The atmosphere, according to organisers, will be festive but purposeful—anchored in the spirit of unity and movement toward a better society.
“We believe in building more than just homes – we’re building communities that thrive on compassion, kindness, and collective action. By joining this initiative, we’re committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us, one step at a time,” said Mr Ryan Kalk, Balwin Properties.
Registration is now open at www.mandeladay.com, with race pack collection scheduled for July 17 and 18 at the Nelson Mandela Foundation headquarters in Houghton.
Run Wherever You Are: The Virtual Option
Recognising that not everyone can attend in person, the Virtual Mandela Day Walk & Run is again being offered as a way for participants across South Africa, the African continent, and the globe to engage in the campaign.
This flexible option allows individuals to register online, download and print a virtual race number, and join the walk or run from wherever they are on Saturday, July 19.
A Day to Build the Future Mandela Dreamed Of
Mandela Day is more than a moment of reflection—it is a chance to shape the future.
This year, as poverty and inequality continue to challenge the global community, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is calling on all people to step forward, not back.
Every act—no matter how small—has the power to ignite change, restore dignity, and move society closer to the vision of freedom and fairness that Nelson Mandela fought for.
About the Nelson Mandela Foundation
The Nelson Mandela Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 1999 after Nelson Mandela stepped down as President of South Africa.
Its mission is to promote Mandela’s legacy of freedom and equality by convening dialogue, supporting social justice, and tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality in South Africa and beyond.
The Foundation is best known for its work in archives, advocacy, and public dialogue, using Mandela’s life as a lens through which to explore critical social issues.
It also leads annual campaigns like Mandela Day, which galvanise action locally and globally in the spirit of Madiba’s enduring ideals
