The Nelson Mandela Foundation has launched Mandela Day 2025 under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.” The campaign calls on individuals, organisations, and communities worldwide to address poverty and inequality, echoing Nelson Mandela’s vision of a just society.[1][2][3]
This year, July 18 will once again mark Nelson Mandela International Day, as declared by the United Nations. The Foundation’s CEO, Dr. Mbongiseni Buthelezi, describes the theme as “both a challenge and a call for solidarity,” urging global action to tackle poverty, fight inequity, and build a society based on dignity, justice, and shared humanity.[1][2][3]
A variety of initiatives are planned for Mandela Day 2025:
- The Mandela Day 2025 website is now live, serving as a central platform for sharing projects, connecting participants, and inspiring action.[1][3]
- Annual Mandela Day Walk & Run will take place on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, featuring 5km, 10km, and 21km races. Medals and commemorative t-shirts are available, and participants can earn Discovery Vitality points.[1][5]
- Major volunteer events are scheduled across South Africa, from local charity activations to school partnerships and youth care initiatives.[5][6]
- The United Nations will host an informal plenary meeting at 10:00 a.m. (NYC) and a special volunteer event on Governors Island, New York, honouring Mandela’s legacy.[4]
Local organisations are also calling for support. Groups like Funda Nenja are organising special activities for underprivileged children, and numerous NGOs, such as Girls and Boys Town SA and Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, are hosting service events.[2][6]
Mandela Day remains a reminder that every individual can help drive positive change in their community. As emphasized by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the United Nations, “Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better”—a message that resonates strongly in this year’s campaign.[4]