Nelson Mandela’s birthday on July 18th, is a call for action that resounds across Africa and the world at large, for people to make an imprint and change the world around them for the better.

I would like to quote Madiba on the never-ending journey of freedom and human rights:

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”

For me, this is an exhortation for all of us to remain courageous in the face of the many more hills to climb, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the hardships it has brought upon us.

I would imagine that if Mandela were still with us today, he would have counselled us to not only face this pandemic boldly, but, always a humanitarian at heart, he would have also encouraged us to look out for others in need and give of ourselves to the upliftment of those less fortunate than us.

In his inauguration address on 10 May 1994, he defined a vision for South Africa which is extremely relevant today:

“Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all. All this we owe both to ourselves and to the peoples of the world.”

This message urges us all to continue looking for means and ways of uplifting our communities and nations, never forgetting the most vulnerable among us, as that is what Mandela Day is about.