On 18 July 2009, the international community will unite in celebration of the remarkable life of one of the legendary icons of our time, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. On this historic day, citizens of the world will be encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to do community work.

July 18 marks Mandela’s 91st birthday and the 67 minutes reflects 67 years of uninterrupted and selfless service in the course of his extraordinary life, to the people of South Africa and the world. Celebrations marking Nelson Mandela Day will be held in various capitals of the world.

Under the theme : Working together for the common good of our nation, the national celebrations in South Africa will take place on 18 July 2009 at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown in Johannesburg. The programme will include speeches, music, and dance. The event will kick-start with cultural performances at 9:00.
President Jacob Zuma in his Nation Address has asked South Africans to lend a helping hand during Madiba’s birthday to highlight Mandela’s legacy. “Let us wholeheartedly support Mandela Day and encourage the world to join us in this wonderful campaign,” said President Zuma.
“Mandela Day will be a celebration of Mandela’s life, values and principles and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them,” President Zuma further stated.

Members of Parliament will lead the Nelson Mandela Day campaign within their communities through constituency work-based programmes in emulation of Madiba’s decades of uninterrupted noble service to the community.

Nelson Mandela has been a global citizen from his early political days in the struggle in particular during his 27 years of imprisonment in Robben Island to becoming the first President of a democratic South Africa in 1994 and thereafter continuing his good work in support of communities who are suffering in South Africa and all over the world.

The celebration of Nelson Mandela Day has been spearheaded by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the 46664 Campaign. This year it will be widely celebrated by all people of South Africa and the world.

Issued by: the Department of Arts and Culture
Media enquiries: Lisa Combrinck on 082 821 4886 or
Eric Mudzanani on 082 940 0927

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