Topnews, International relations, South Africa

10. April 2014

NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY LAUNCHED

Celebrated across the globe in honour of the late Mandela’s birthday on 18 July, Mandela Day was formally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009, and today represents an international call to contribute to the global movement for good by effecting positive change within communities.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe on Tuesday, 8 April 2014, officially launched the Nelson Mandela International Day Campaign 2014 at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Houghton.

Ultimately, the day seeks to empower communities everywhere through the slogan “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day”.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy President Motlanthe said this year's Mandela Day was unique because Mandela had passed last year.

"This is all the more reason we have to up the ante, ensuring that this day is imbued with durable meaning that reverberates across time and space.

 “In 2014, let us all support the Nelson Mandela International Day Campaign, mindful of both the global contexts and the contexts of our own communities. This is not about doing good; it is about building the cultures that will make a difference in the world.”

The Deputy President said the day should be used to eradicate poverty and should inspire everyone to be a public servant of the people.

Read more: http://www.dirco.gov.za/dircoenewsletter/newsflash106-10-04-2014.html

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