Parliament, Sunday 17 July 2022 – Parliament joins South Africa and the rest of the global community in observing Nelson Mandela International Day tomorrow, Monday, 18 July 2022.
In a unanimous decision, the United Nations General Assembly in 2009 resolved to recognise the International Mandela Day. On this historic day, people worldwide are encouraged to dedicate their time to doing something good for humanity, especially the poorest of the poor.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela devoted 27 years of his life to serving humanity. He was a human rights lawyer, a revered international statesman, a peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free and democratic South Africa.
Every year on International Mandela Day on 18 July, the UN and the world join hands to encourage people around the world to devote 67 minutes of their day to helping others. It is more than just a celebration of Madiba's life and legacy; it is an encouragement to give back and to make a difference.
Parliament's Presiding Officers urge all South Africans, in their own spaces, to individually and collectively recommit to the values and principles of our founding father of democracy, Tata Mandela. Furthermore, they encourage all to embrace these values in their daily lives and recognise individual powers that stretch from daily routines to making time to give back to communities. It is in the hands of each of us to make the world a better place to live in.
"As we celebrate this day, we call on all citizens to emulate the Madiba spirit and values and make each day a Mandela day. Despite the many hurdles and challenges, we face as a country, the rise of unemployment, poverty, crime and inequality, we dare not lose hope in the face of adversity. In our communities, we need to be the agent of change and collectively work together in eradicating all social ills and economic hardships for the next generation to inherit a better society free from all ills", said the Presiding Officers.
In honour of this day, Parliament recommits to the values of a just society by uniting behind a common goal of intensifying fundamental change in the livelihoods of ordinary South Africans by using all its oversight and legislative instruments. Parliament will continuously strive to conduct vigorous oversight over the executive to ensure that laws passed by Parliament, as well as policies and programmes the government commits to, translate to a better quality of life felt in the every day lives of ordinary citizens.
To commemorate this day in a manner that further takes the legacy of this selfless leader of the people, Parliament, in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg, will embark on a clean-up campaign tomorrow, on Monday, 18 July, at Vilakazi High School in Soweto as part of the 67 minutes in honour of Madiba.
Tomorrow’s activities will include the planting of trees, painting and cleaning of the school.
Media wishing to cover the event must send their details (Full Names, ID number, Media House, Designation) to: nmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za or via WhatsApp to 081 716 5824.
Members of the public may follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408) via the live stream on Parliament’s YouTube channel, Facebook and Twitter pages.
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