„A better world for all" – Nelson Mandela Day 2018

Nelson Mandela is considered an icon in the fight for freedom and against social injustice. Back in 2009, the UN decided to continue his legacy and create a day on which people all over the world take conscious and targeted action against injustice. This is called for every year on Nelson Mandela Day.

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in Mvezo, Transkei. He became aware of the inequalities and injustices in his country at a very early age. Driven by the desire for more freedom and justice for the black majority in South Africa, he became more and more of a political figure in the course of his life. As a student, he joined the African National Congress, an organisation that campaigned against the minority government of the whites and the oppression of blacks.

(Image) Nelson Mandela's likeness can often be found in the South African cityscape.

Fight for freedom and justice

He later became a leading figure in the ANC, which was banned in 1960 despite a policy of peaceful protest. Mandela was arrested for treason, but was acquitted and, as years before, banned, meaning he was not allowed to leave the country or attend meetings. Mandela continued to lead the ANC from the underground. After the government's violence against peaceful protesters continued to increase, he founded the armed wing of the ANC, which carried out acts of sabotage.

Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life imprisonment two years later. In 1990, the ban on the ANC was lifted and Mandela was released from prison. Just one year later, he became president of the ANC and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for introducing a transitional government and organising free elections in 1993. One year later, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. Both during his presidency and afterwards, he campaigned for national and international reconciliation, among other things.

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Take action! Nelson Mandela Day 2018

On 18 July, Nelson Mandela Day will once again take place, a day that not only commemorates the great Mandela, but also aims to continue his legacy: People all over the world should feel inspired by Mandela's courage and take action. This year in the fight against poverty. The hashtag #actionagainstpoverty calls for people to join in. It doesn't matter how big the action is, even if everyone does just a little, it will add up to a lot in the end. Because "it is in your hands to create a better world for all those who live in it."

Autorin: Nina Ryschawy

<div class="copyrights">photo in header © John Paul Henry</div>

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