The day is being celebrated this year with various events. This year’s theme for Nelson Mandela Day is ‘Tradition Lives Through You: Climate, Food and Solidarity’.
In a message on the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, ‘Nelson Mandela was an embodiment of courage and determination. An extraordinary humanitarian leader with outstanding achievements.
Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in South Africa. He became a symbol of hope and unity in Africa. In honor of this great leader, the United Nations declared July 18 as ‘International Nelson Mandela Day’ on his 91st birthday in 2009.
Known as ‘Madiba’ to South Africans, Mandela moved to Johannesburg at a young age. There he was elected president of the youth wing of the African National Congress. He was closely involved in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. He also works as a lawyer. Subsequently, Mandela played an active role in the establishment of the Youth League in 1944.
In 1962, Mandela was arrested by the South African apartheid government. He had to be imprisoned for 27 years. Of these, 18 years have to be spent in South Africa’s infamous Robben Island prison
Mandela was released from prison on February 11, 1990. After coming out of prison, he participated in peace talks with the white government of South Africa on behalf of his party. Mandela dreamed of a South Africa where people of all races and colors could live together with equal opportunities.
Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected black president in 1994. Served as President till 1999. However, he did not agree to be a candidate for the second term. Earlier, in 1993, this anti-apartheid leader jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize with FWD Clarke.
Mandela is respected all over the world for his courage, skillful leadership and selfless principles. He has received many international awards for his work for peace and his role in the renaissance of Africa. His illustrious career ended on December 5, 2013.