Mandela Day

Mandela Day

A legacy of fighting inequality

For 13 years in an annual day to honour the late statesmen and struggle icon, Nelson Mandela has inspired giving back among South Africans. Almost a decade after his death, Madiba’s legacy is more relevant than ever, as South Africa grapples with inequality and its effects.

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day campaign remains rooted in the call he made in 2009 to honour him by working in communities rather than celebrating his birthday. The global theme for this year is: “Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.”

“The context, of course, is a world in which inequality continues to grow and in which the destructive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed existing disparities and damaged vulnerable communities in all kinds of ways. The call to action is as broad and as inclusive as possible – identify those in need around you and do what you can to make a difference for them,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation says.

THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

Research has found that volunteering is good for your mind and body. According to a study by the London School of Economics, there is a link between happiness and volunteering. And the more you volunteer, they happier you feel, the study found.

But there are a number of other benefits, including:

• Increased self-confidence: Studies have found that doing good for others can boost your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.

• Reduced risk of depression: Social isolation is a key risk factor for depression. Because volunteering brings you into contact with others, you are at lower risk of developing depression. This is further reduced if you volunteer to work with animals, as this has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

• Improved physical health: Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. In addition, volunteering has also been found reduce the symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.

GROWING THE FUTURE

In South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation will be framing its Mandela Day work around its food and nutrition programme. The Foundation is encouraging South Africans to volunteer at community and backyard gardens, supporting fruit and indigenous tree planting, and creating awareness of the intersections between food security and climate change.

The Foundation is encouraging South Africans to:

• Plant and grow fresh, organic and cost-effective produce in vulnerable communities.

• Plant and grow trees, with an emphasis on fruit trees in vulnerable communities.

• Invest in sustainable food production platforms.

• Embrace home and community planting and growing to address the challenge of climate change.