Nelson Mandela Day 2020

Every year, on 18 July we celebrate former President Nelson Mandela’s birthday by dedicating 67 minutes of our time to help those in need. The day was launched in 2009 and was inspired by Tata Madiba who called on future generations to change the world.

Although 18 July is known as Nelson Mandela International Day, we embrace the chance to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life for the whole of July. This gives everyone a chance to get involved in an activity they’re passionate about, and to make a change in the world around them.

These activities are based on the core themes of Mandela Day:

• Food security
• Education and literacy
• Shelter and infrastructure
• Service and volunteerism

What can you do for Mandela month?

This year we celebrate Mandela month amid a global pandemic, Coronavirus and a time of uncertainty.  

No matter how small your action, Mandela Day is about changing the world for the better, just as Nelson Mandela did every day. Here are some ways you can leave a positive legacy

• Contribute to the #ActionAgainstPoverty campaign.
• Start initiatives around delivering food parcels
• Make masks and protective gear
• Teach online
• Make donations towards these efforts
• Contribute to the Each1Feed1 campaign (#Each1Feed1)
• Help pack meals with Stop Hunger Now
• Save a life: Donate blood or register as an organ donor.
• Be part of the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day and keep thousands of less fortunate people warmer this winter.

Premier Winde and his wife, Tracy will be donating 67 masks, and they challenge all individuals and corporates to help them protect the people of the Western Cape by donating new, unused masks. You can support this drive by dropping masks in boxes in 4 Dorp Street, or by heading to www.maskathon.co.za where you can pledge cash donations, as well as ready-made masks by filling out a pledge form.

"We understand that for many, masks are unaffordable and in order to help get masks to as many people as possible in the province, we will be running a Masks for Madiba campaign ahead of Mandela Day this weekend. We encourage everyone who can, to get involved and to challenge their friends, family and co-workers to make donations too."

This winter, many patients will spend a number of days (or weeks) hospitalised due to the Coronavirus and away from loved ones and support structures. Many arrive in facilities without the basic necessities so many of us take for granted. The department of health is inviting you to spread warmth this Mandela Day by preparing care packages for these patients.

In 2020, it will be the day we share the successes we have achieved and the lessons we have learned as we battle this pandemic, and its effect on those less fortunate than ourselves.