How You Can Honour Nelson Mandela's Legacy in the Year of His Centenary

The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF), a non-profit organisation, was founded in 1999 by Nelson Mandela himself and focuses on memory, dialogue and legacy.

Graca Machel says at #RememberingMandela that we need to take South Africa to the highest levels. She tells us as Madiba did in his lifetime that it is in our hands to make a difference #LivingTheLegacy pic.twitter.com/RwuhFgEtCC
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) December 5, 2017
The 2018 centenary programme will celebrate the life and times of Mandela and acts as a call to people all over the globe to help better the future of all. The programme will include art showcases, exhibitions, stage productions, films, sporting tournaments, literary initiatives and more.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation states that the centenary programme ‘aims to shift societal attitudes to injustice by encouraging sustainable actions.’

In 2018, The Nelson Mandela Foundation will clear the way for a national conversation around poverty and inequality in South Africa and the African continent as a whole. The conversation will make use of traditional methods including public events, radio and print media as well as digital engagement to reach as many people as possible.

Each year on July 18, now known as Mandela Day, South Africans get together for a good cause. The message behind the annual campaign is that each individual can make an impact through public service. Whether volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating food and blankets to the poor, every little bit helps.

On July 18, 2018, a full day of music will be hosted live in multiple cities in support of improving literacy among poverty-stricken children. This massive musical tribute is put together by Mandela Concerts and there are many different ways for the public and businesses to get involved, from sponsoring to working closely with the foundation. Simply visit their website and see how you can help out.

Habitat for Humanity South Africa together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation is honouring his legacy by building 100 homes for 100 families in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. To learn more about the project and get involved, contact +27 81 840 7968.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has asked South Africans for their suggestions on how to best celebrate Mandela’s life. Letters to Mandela can be handwritten, emailed (letters@nelsonmandela.org) or delivered to the foundation.

Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, 107 Central St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, +27 11 547 5600

The rock garden outside #NelsonMandela’s home in Houghton still full of messages to the icon from all around the world. #RememberingMandela pic.twitter.com/5oh2liZf07
— Michael (@TheMikeAppel) December 5, 2017
For more on how to get involved keep an eye on The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s social media pages as events will be announced on an ongoing basis.