"It is easy to break down and destroy.
The heroes are those who make peace and build". - Nelson Mandela
The Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated every year on July 18. This day was officially declared by the United Nations in 2009 through a resolution in the General Assembly, and the first UN Mandela Day was held on July 18, 2010.
The day is observed to “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.” Everywhere people should take responsibility for making the world a better place. For almost 67 years, he fought against social justice. Do you know that since 2009, on 18 July it has been an official United Nations holiday?
“Our march to freedom is irreversible. We must not allow fear to stand in our way.”
He had devoted his life to the service of humanity; as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker, and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa. He proved that nothing is impossible only determination is required to fulfill the dreams.
About Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was born Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in Transkei, South Africa on 18 July, 1918. His mother was Nonqaphi Nosekeni and father Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela. When his father died he was raised by Jongintaba, the regent of the Tembu. . There he always listened to the stories about the valour of the ancestors who struggled for freedom. For his B. A Degree, he went to the University College of Fort Hare. But, he didn't receive his degree due to the protest of students that he had joined. As a result, he was expelled from the college. Then, he went back to the Great Place at Mqhekezweni where the king threatened him that if he will not complete his degree, he will going to arrange a marriage for him.
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”
Due to this, he ran to Johannesburg, where he worked as a mine security officer. Eventually, he had completed his studies through the University of South Africa and received his B.A degree. No doubt, he is one of the most well-known anti-apartheid activists in South Africa.
In 1944, he joined the African National Congress party and later he became the leader in a number of peaceful protests against the white minority’s regime in South Africa.
From 1964 to 1982, he was imprisoned in Robben Island, Cape Town in South Africa for leading the liberation movement against apartheid and for his stance on the human right to live in freedom. His prisoner number was 466.
Even the Robben Island prisoners were never referred by their names but by their numbers. Mandela's number was 46664. In 1990, he was released from imprisonment and contributed towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. In 1994, due to his efforts, he was elected as the president of South Africa. Therefore, he became the first black president of South Africa. Till 1999, he remained president in an office. In 1993, he won the Nobel Peace Prize, together with another former South African president Frederic Willem de Klerk.
“It always seems impossible until it's done.”
“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.”
Mandela formed the Elders, an independent group of global leaders in 2007 who offer their influence and experience to support peacebuilding, help address major human suffering causes and promote the shared interests of humanity. He died in 2013.
