Embassy Activities

SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY TURKEY

NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY

“MAKE EVERY DAY A MANDELA DAY”

The 18th of July marks the birthday of former President and South African icon Nelson Mandela which has since been declared “Nelson Mandela International Day” by United Nations. Nelson Mandela International Day is a global call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place.

It initially started with people being asked to give 67 minutes of their time and later moved on from an ad hoc and individualised initiative towards addressing issues affecting our society. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Nelson Mandela Day and commemorates the milestones achieved while reinforcing the need to continue in the principles of Nelson Mandela by enriching the lives of those in distress and the less fortunate in society.

In 2021, the essence of Mandela Day – take action, inspire change, and make every day a Mandela Day – is more important than ever before. Communities across the world are affected by the spread of Covid-19, which has hit every economy, causing new social and economic challenges and exacerbating old ones. The President of South Africa H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced the initiation of yet another level 4 lockdown from 28 June to 11 July 2021. It is critical that through these trying times that we stand together as the International community as this is the only way we can effectively defeat this virus. Where possible we encourage all people regardless geographical location, race, creed or sex to please donate 67 minutes of your time towards a worthy cause.
Nelson Mandela International Day is the embodiment of a global movement for positive change with small actions. As each individual act, fuels momentum towards a positive change, raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mr Nelson Mandela’s values – fighting injustice, helping people in need and practicing reconciliation. As part of our efforts to strengthen ties between the South African Embassy and the Turkish Authorities we hope that our mutual bonds continue to strengthen.

As we take time to honour the life of Nelson Mandela let us work to bring a lasting change to our society so that we can grow together. We have an opportunity to expand the legacy of the late former President by making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Through his values and dedication to the service of humanity we remain inspired to become a united and prosperous world. This Nelson Mandela International Day you are humbly requested to please encourage your friends and family to simply do any act of kindness that impacts someone else's life positively and epitomises the values that Nelson Mandela had instilled within us and which make a contribution towards positive change.

In whatever action you undertake please tag the Embassy in the following accounts:

• “Mzansi Buyuk” account & "South African Embassy Ankara" page (Facebook)

• #SA_Embassy Ankara (Twitter)

• #saembassyankara (Instagram)