In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, a Global Day of Action, to harness Madiba’s legacy in service of a global challenge: alleviating poverty, inequality and injustice. This year’s commemoration will be celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) will again be joining the international call towards inclusive quality education in alignment with social justice principles. Basic Education Minister, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, officiated a 2026 International Mandela Day activation at the Giyani Primary School in Soweto with the handover of three newly built classrooms donated by ABSA, whilst Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, commemorated Mandela Day with the Kwesto Foundation with the handover of a library at the Setumo Sephethe Primary School in the Bojanala District, North West Province on 18 July 2026. In addition, Dr Mhaule will, also as part of the Mandela Month initiative, be attending a handover event at Tswaing in the North West Province on 22 July 2026.
Nelson Mandela cared deeply about children, their education and healthcare. As South Africa continues to face a triple burden of malnutrition, obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, the DBE’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) continues to provide nutritious daily meals to over 9.5 million learners, promoting healthy eating and encouraging school and community food gardens for improved access to nutritious food. Partnerships with the Tiger Brands Foundation and PepsiCo complement and strengthen the NSNP by expanding the reach and nutritional value of school meals, whilst playing a critical role in strengthening food security, reducing malnutrition and supporting learner wellbeing, attendance and performance.
President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Africans to dedicate their Mandela Day to acts of service, including feeding the hungry and comforting those who need it the most: “This year, we ask every South African to heed that call. Let us give our 67 minutes through acts of service that feed the hungry, comfort the lonely or support the elderly. Let us lend our skills and time to the organisations that serve our communities every day. These acts matter because they change lives. Let us also recommit ourselves to the difficult task of ending poverty and inequality in our country and in our world”, President Ramaphosa said.
United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, has called on individuals around the globe to carry forward Madiba's vision of a more just, equal and peaceful world. Echoing this year's Mandela Day call to action, “It's Still in Your Hands,” the Secretary-General reminded us that lasting change begins when ordinary people choose to act together in the service of others: “Like Madiba, we can all play a part in building fair economies and inclusive societies. By investing in decent work, universal health coverage, quality education and social protection systems”.
International Mandela Day remains a call to action for individuals, communities, government departments and stakeholders to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles, and to enhance positive impact within South African communities.