All over the world people from all walks of life are mobilising for the commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day and Mandela Month. We applaud all these gallant philanthropic efforts to keep alive President Mandela’s legacy and to making the world a better place.
This year The Nelson Mandela International Day comes in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic that has devastated economies, destroyed livelihoods and forced the struggling masses in our country, continent and the world into an even deeper crisis. Our call on this Mandela Day is for the spirit of goodwill and community activism that we have witnessed on such a huge scale evidenced by ordinary people setting up feeding schemes, starting food gardens and building networks of support for the most impoverished and vulnerable sectors of society.
The Royal House of Mandela along with the other legacy institutions, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund work tirelessly throughout the year to keep the dream alive and uphold my Madiba’s legacy. We therefore welcome all the efforts by individuals, organisations and governments to mobilise and do whatever they can, with what they can, wherever they are. If we all do this, who is there that will need assistance.
We are especially pleased to host Honourable Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development at Qunu on the 18th July 2022. This is a fitting tribute and acknowledgement of the humble roots that raised and nurtured our global icon. Throughout this Mandela Month we will rally people in South Africa to rise above the prevailing doom and gloom. We have the capacity to overcome all the challenges no matter how daunting.
We also welcome the initiative by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Nelson Mandela University to plant trees 16th July at Mvezo Komkhulu as a symbolic gesture during this month. This will remind us of the important role that trees playing in fighting the effects of global warming and climate change.
This year we also make a special plea for Palestine as we witness global hypocrisy in the face of the relentless Apartheid Israel’s genocide, crimes against humanity and violation of the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people.
In the spirit of Mandela Month we must double our efforts to make a difference if we can, wherever we can and however we can.
Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council and grandson of famed South African President Nelson Mandela. Member of Parliament (MP) South Africa National Assembly. All articles by Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela
