Friday 18 July 2014 would have been Nelson Mandela’s 96th birthday. More than 27 of his years were spent in prison, while a staggering 67 years were committed to public service. He lived a great life of struggle and achievement, and touched the lives of millions of people across the world.
As well as providing an opportunity to reflect on his passing last December and remember why he matters to us, Friday gives us an opportunity to celebrate Mandela’s legacy in the best way possible – by inspiring ourselves and others to help change the world for the better.
On 10 November 2009, the United Nations adopted a resolution to mark
Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July each year. A key element of the day is a call to action where individuals and communities are asked to commit 67 minutes to voluntary action in recognition of the 67 years Mandela dedicated to fighting for a just society.
In Scotland,
Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) – the successor organisation to the Scottish Committee of the Anti-Apartheid Movement – is the driving force behind Mandela Day. Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, the Scottish Government, SCVO and the STUC have joined forces with ACTSA to organise a range of events and opportunities designed to highlight the inspiration Mandela brought to us.
But in his introduction to the 2nd edition of The Glasgow Mandela Story, Brian Filling, Chair of ACTSA and Honorary Consul for South Africa in Scotland, reminds us that Mandela’s cause was not always so popular.
“As we remember Nelson Mandela and the liberation struggle it is also important to recall that for most of his life, when it was most difficult, not everyone supported him or his movement,” he says.
The third sector is at its best when life is most difficult. We raise our voices and make the best impacts when injustice lights the fire in our bellies. Our creative edge is at its sharpest when we need to cut through barriers or find ways to resolve seemingly intractable problems. If Mandela was living in Scotland today, what societal wrongs would he be working to put right?
Think about your answer to that question and then make a commitment to mark Mandela’s legacy by doing something about it.
You can find opportunities to make a difference via the
Volunteer Scotland website.
There’s a risk that a 67-minute contribution to voluntary action can be seen as insufficient and tokenistic. But your 67 minutes may lead to bigger things – taking action, inspiring change and making every day a Mandela Day.
Last modified on 23 January 2020
