The Nelson Mandela Foundation is excited to announce the upcoming celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, 2024, with the theme “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.” This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for collective action to address social injustices and drive sustainable change on a global scale.
Verne Harris, acting CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, shared his enthusiasm for the relaunch of the Mandela Day Website. This platform will serve as a central hub for individuals to connect, collaborate, and engage in initiatives dedicated to combating poverty and inequity. Harris encourages friends and partners to translate this call to action into meaningful Mandela Day projects aligned with their areas of expertise.
One of the Mandela Day initiatives is the Annual Mandela Day Walk & Run, scheduled to take place on July 20 at the picturesque Bullring, the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Illovo, Johannesburg. This event anticipates hosting 10,000 participants and offers a 5km walk as well as a 10km and 21km run. Supported by BP South Africa, Balwin Properties, and partners such as DP World Wanderers Stadium, Lion’s Cricket, Discovery Vitality, and Bloomberg, this year’s event is expected to be one of the most exciting Mandela Day events of the year.
In celebration of their centenary in South Africa, BP Southern Africa expressed their excitement for partnering with such a meaningful event: “We are proud to be part of such a meaningful event that honors the values of Nelson Mandela. As we mark our 100 years in this country, supporting initiatives that bring communities together aligns perfectly with our commitment to making a positive impact. The Mandela Day Walk and Run is a perfect opportunity for us to give back to the communities where we operate, including encouraging the community to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Registration is now open at www.mandeladay.com with race collection scheduled for July 18 and 19 at Wanderers Stadium. Join us in honouring Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy and creating a positive impact within our communities.
Balwin Properties echoed their commitment to corporate social responsibility through their sponsorship: “As a developer that cares about quality, environmental responsibility, and creating sustainable communities, we are honored to support an event that promotes unity and social change. We look forward to walking and running alongside participants in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy.
“We understand the importance of uplifting communities through our lifestyle estates and the Balwin Foundation. Partnering with the Mandela Day Walk and Run allows us to contribute positively towards building a more inclusive society.”
This year, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is excited to launch a Virtual Mandela Day Walk & Run, providing people throughout South Africa, Africa and worldwide, with the opportunity to also participate in this event.
CEO of Lion and DP World Wanderers Stadium, Mr Jono Leaf-Wright emphasizes that it aligns with the core values that Nelson Mandela advocated throughout his life – equality, justice, and human rights. “By partaking in the Mandela Day Walk and Run,” he explains, “we are not merely commemorating Nelson Mandela’s birthday but are actively participating in the promotion of his ideals. It is an opportunity for every individual to reflect on the importance of community service, to take steps towards creating a more inclusive society, and to support initiatives that address social inequality. When we love care for others, is the ultimate reason why we are part of this magnificent event. Live, love, learn and lead. “
For those unable to join our Walk & Run event in person, this is a great opportunity to participate in this celebration virtually by supporting the cause through a donation on our Fundnation page: www.fundnation.org/nelsonmandela
By making a donation of choice and printing the assigned virtual ID Race number to proudly display on a shirt on Saturday, July 20, 2024, people can show their support for our global icon and participate in the walk or run from any corner of the world
Join us in commemorating Mandela Day 2024, a day dedicated to upholding Nelson Mandela’s legacy of unity and social justice. Let’s stand together against inequality and make a lasting impact with the backing of esteemed organizations like the United Nations and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.