Nelson Mandela International Day

When I was 15 years old, I came across an extract of "Long Walk to Freedom"- the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. No human has managed to create the impact that Mandela's words did, his strength and resilience will continue to have an impact on the world. 

Locked behind a cell about seven foot square around a concrete courtyard for 18 years of his life..

"I found solitary confinement the most forbidding aspect of prison life. There was no end and no beginning; there is only one's own mind, which can begin to play tricks."

- Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on 18th July, Mandela's birthday, every year in honor of Nelson Mandela. In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared this day to be "Nelson Mandela International Day" and invited the global community to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values, through volunteering and community service.

The Mandela campaign message is:

"Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We're asking you to start with 67 minutes."

Mandela is a South-African activist and former president of Africa who is popular for his anti-Apartheid struggle. Born into the "Thembu" tribe in a South African village, Mandela is fondly referred to by his clan name "Madiba" to-date. 

His fight for human rights started way back during his college days. While completing his bachelor's degree he became actively involved in the movement against racial discrimination.

In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and helped establish its youth league (ANCYL). The regime in South Africa restricted nonwhite South Africans' basic rights and barred them from government while maintaining white minority rule (apartheid). In response to this, the ANCYL conducted several campaigns to boycott this regime. Mandela also helped start South-Africa's first black law firm offering legal services to victims of apartheid.

In 1956, Mandela was arrested, placed on trial for treason due to the anti-Apartheid struggle and acquitted in 1961. After realizing that more aggressive methods were needed to deal with the apartheid, he co-founded the "Spear of the Nation", an armed wing of the ANC.

In 1962, evidence was found against Mandela and other activists for a planned uprising against the government. A trial was held for sabotage, treason and violent conspiracy, and Mandela and seven other defendants were sentenced to life time of imprisonment. During his imprisonment, he had to endure hard labor at a lime query, inadequate rations and inhuman punishments for even the slightest of offences. It was also during this period, he earned his bachelor of law degree from University of London and wrote his biography- “Long Walk to Freedom".

In 1990, the newly elected president of the National Party, de Clerk lifted the government's ban on the ANC and ordered Mandela's release. Mandela went on to lead the ANC and worked to end the apartheid along with the National Party and earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

In 1994, the country held its first multi-racial parliamentary elections, where Mandela was elected South Africa's first black president. He established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate human rights and political violations committed by both supporters and opponents of apartheid, and introduced many economic and social reforms to improve the living standards of South Africa's black population. He also helped establish a strong government based on majority rule and prohibited discrimination against minorities, including whites.

Though, there were calls to punish whites for apartheid, he resisted them and set an example for forgiveness and reconciliation. In 1999, he retired from politics, however, he remained a leading voice for peace and social justice not only in Africa but across the globe.

On this day, we invite you to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in your communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better!

Let’s recognize Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, the fight against poverty and the promotion of social justice and a culture of peace throughout the world.

Let’s take action and inspire change.

Written By:

Rtr. Dhatchaiyani Dhayaparan.