Nelson Mandela influenced great change in South Africa that resonated around the world. He was a pioneer in ending white minority rule and fostering post-apartheid reconciliation in the early 1990s. In 1994, he became South Africa's first democratically-elected president and its first black leader.
President Jacob Zuma first introduced the concept of Nelson Mandela Day in 2009, to motivate a nationwide campaign to get the public involved in charitable activities. In November 2009, the UNGA paid tribute to Mandela by adopting a resolution to make the international community aware of his humanitarian work.
Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on 18 July every year in honour of the first democratically elected President of South Africa, the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The United Nations officially declared the day in November 2009, and it was first formally celebrated in 2010.
Nelson Mandela International Day holds a dual significance. It is a commemoration of Mandela's life, recognising his unyielding struggle against apartheid, and his endeavours towards establishing a multiracial democracy in South Africa.
The theme of International Nelson Mandela Day for the year 2023 is: “The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food and Solidarity”. This theme is a call to action to take steps to address climate change and food insecurity and to show solidarity with those who are most affected by these issues.
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