It’s time to roll up your sleeves and take action! The 14-day countdown to Mandela Day starts today and we could not be more excited. Seeing all the plans come together is rewarding, as for months we have been reaching out and now finally… it is all happening.
This year does feels different and maybe it is because there is so much change around us. Whether it be political change, climate change or both, the resultant impact leaves many people feeling unsettled. The interesting thing about this kind of change is that it can give one a sense of helplessness, as it comes at you. So how do you shift this mindset?
The answer is by volunteering. By physically acting, you take back control and feel like you are doing something that will make a meaningful difference. You become more connected to a cause and build resilience by being hands on. Madiba was spot on when he said: “Let us remember the power each of us holds to make a difference – It is in your hands”.
Photo: Meet Gushwell Brooks, head of Mandela Day at Nelson Mandela Foundation and the 2023 UN book launch, as we reflect on Madiba’s love of children.
Did you know that Madiba is the first person to have a day dedicated to honour him by the United Nations General Assembly when it declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International day – a moment for all to renew with the values inspired by Nelson Mandela and a call to action for a better world.
His vision and mission remain as relevant today, and to provide context: In conversation with the head of Mandela Day, Gushwell Brooks of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, we heard how last year in partnership with the United Nations a book was published featuring a Madiba quote for every one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and this year there will be 17 TEDX talks.
Sharing stories, we discussed how our big MD2024 flagship events at V&A Waterfront and Constitution Hill not only enable us to contribute to the SDGs and make a difference in communities 365 days a year but provide a nation building platform for people to ‘take action and do their 67 minutes’ now.
Book your tickets, roll up your sleeves and help us make Mandela Day matter 365 days of the year.
The time is now.
