The Nelson Mandela Foundation has called on all South Africans and people across the world "to use Nelson Mandela International Day (Mandela Day) as a renewal of commitment to making a sustainable difference in the lives of those less fortunate."
In a statement to mark the former president's birthday, the foundation reflected on the words of Nelson Mandela at the 90th birthday of Walter Sisulu where Madiba said “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.”
“It is important that one consider their ability to be of service in a manner that makes a difference,” said Sello Hatang, the chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The Foundation urged those taking part in Mandela Day activities to continue with their effort well beyond July 18 to help "make every a Mandela Day".
This year’s theme is: Taking #ActionAgainstPoverty.
“Today allows us to recommit ourselves to taking action and inspiring change so that we can make every day a Mandela Day. As we go out to plant gardens, build houses or feed pupils, we must know that it does not stop there; July 18 is the start of taking action, not the end. We want South Africans and people around the world to commit to long-term, sustainable projects that will tackle poverty.” says Hatang.
The Foundation has adopted the message #ActionAgainstPoverty this year as a firm call to take action towards meaningful intervention in the lives of those facing poverty and inequality in our society on a daily basis.
“Poverty and inequality are eroding the foundations of the democratic and just society that Madiba fought so hard to establish, and for which he laid the building blocks. Unless we tackle poverty, on a sustained and committed basis, Nelson Mandela’s dream of a better life for all will remain just a pipe dream.” concluded Hatang.