Originally published on the CGS blog on July 18, 2013.
Today is Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday! It is also Official Nelson Mandela International Day, a day celebrated each year to commemorate the former President and freedom fighter’s dedication to a democratic South Africa and ensure his legacy and vision continue to live on.
As a part of Mandela Day, people across the globe are asked to give 67 minutes of their time to a charity or provide service to their local communities. The number 67 was chosen because it represents the number of years Mandela gave to the struggle, spanning from the first days of his membership in the ANC through his many years as a prisoner to his presidency and beyond.
While South Africans and others throughout the world celebrate and honor Mandela’s life and legacy, Mandela himself remains in the hospital, in “critical but stable” condition. In fact, Mandela’s stay in the hospital, which began on June 8 when he was admitted for a lung infection he first contracted as a prisoner on Robben Island, has had an incredible effect on the nation and the world.
Through the tears shed, the prayers said, and the songs and stories shared by those inspired by Mandela these past few weeks, South Africa has been united once again. South Africans’ undying love for Mandela as the symbol of their strength and freedom and the fear that these may be his last days have brought people together in a way not usually seen.
South Africa, a newly democratic nation that has made great strides since the end of the official white racist government in 1994, is still plagued with many problems. Racism and segregation, although no longer legally upheld, are still widely visible in the nation today. The new and notably progressive Constitution, adopted in 1996, affords South Africans clear civil and political rights, but lacks concrete measures to support economic, social, and cultural rights and reforms. This leaves a large majority of the population in situations that are not entirely dissimilar from those of the Apartheid years, causing a great sense of discontent and frustration.
Yet, in this difficult and emotional time for South Africans of all races, classes, and cultures, concern and appreciation for Mandela has managed to unite his people once again. His wife, Graca Machel, as well as President Obama and South African President Jacob Zuma have all publicly expressed Mandela’s profound impact and influence on bridging the gap between people, even in this fragile state.
Mandela taught his people and the world never to underestimate the power of human resilience. He demonstrated unbelievable tolerance and forgiveness in his negotiations with the former leaders of the Apartheid regime as they worked to create the new democratic South Africa. He created hope in times of darkness and led his people-white, black, and everything in between-into a new era. And despite the many challenges South Africa continues to face, Mandela will forever be a beacon of hope and a symbol of strength for those he has touched. On this Mandela Day, we should all take 67 minutes out of our busy lives to give back and to honor his powerful legacy.
