“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead,” ambassador of South Africa to Qatar Saad Cachalia quotes his country’s former president and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela as the world looks to celebrate his day.
The world will celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18 as will the embassy of South Africa in Qatar, announced ambassador Cachalia in his statement recently released.
“Nelson Mandela followed three rules throughout his life, which he did at great personal sacrifice: Free yourself, free others, serve every day,” said the ambassador.
Mandela Day is a global call to action for citizens of the world to take up the challenge and follow in the formidable footsteps of Mandela, a man who transformed his life, served his country and freed his people. The objective is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and in so doing, to build a global movement for good.
“The question we must ask ourselves is what we are doing to make the world a better place; what are we doing to make every day a Mandela Day? Mandela Day is dynamic and ever-changing: it belongs to everyone and can take place anywhere, at any time,” said the ambassador.
He urges everyone to find inspiration for their contribution in the legacy of Nelson Mandela and to serve their fellow humans every day.
In his comments about the special place the Arab world and especially the cause of the Palestinian people held in the heart of President Mandela, ambassador Cachalia reminded of the very well-known quote of that President Mandela stating: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
This year on April 25, a larger-than-life sized bronze statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled in Ramallah, Palestine as a donation from the people of South Africa and the square on which the statue stands is now renamed Mandela Square.
Mayor of Ramallah, Musa Hadid said the statue reminded them of the personality of Nelson Mandela who took the side of the Palestinian people even during most difficult moments of his life, when he was in prison. He had a strong relationship with the Palestinian revolution.
Every year on the day Mandela was born, the United Nations (UN) joins a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.
For 67 years Nelson Mandela 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.
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
A General Assembly resolution recognises Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities.
It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
“Nelson Mandela Day not only celebrates his life, but it is also a global call to action for people to recognise their ability to have a positive effect on others around them. The day hopes to inspire people to embrace the values that Mandela shared,” said the South Africa ambassador, adding these values include democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation, and respect.
Many people and organisations around the world take part in many activities to promote Nelson Mandela Day. These activities include volunteering, sport, art, education, music and culture.
Various events are also held on or around July 18 to honour Mandela’s works and to promote the different projects that were inspired by Mandela’s achievements.
Mandela Day also celebrates a campaign known as “46664”, in reference to Nelson Mandela’s Robben Island prison number. The campaign was originally launched to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. However, its focus expanded to broader humanitarian work.
The efforts from Mandela Day support the campaign’s ongoing work and other Nelson Mandela charitable organisations.