July 2025
Nelson Mandela International Day is marked every year on 18 July, Mandela’s birthday, to honour the life and legacy of a man who fought tirelessly for human rights, freedom, and equality. In November 2009, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 18 July as a day to recognise Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally, and to promote a culture of peace and the protection of human rights.
Born on 18 July 1918, Mandela—known affectionately as Madiba—devoted 67 years of his life to public service: as a human rights lawyer, prisoner of conscience, international peacemaker, and South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Each year, the Secretary-General’s message on the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day calls on the global community to take action and uphold the values Mandela stood for.
Since its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly, Nelson Mandela International Day has become a global call to action. The initiative encourages people to give back 67 minutes of their time in honour of Mandela’s 67 years of public service. These efforts span from cleaning up communities and feeding those facing food insecurity to supporting children and other vulnerable groups and standing up against inequity, gender inequality, and poverty.
Each act of service echoes Mandela’s belief that we all have the power to change the world for the better. Through the “Make Every Day a Mandela Day” campaign, the legacy continues—reminding us that every day is a chance to make a difference.
Established in 1999, the Nelson Mandela Foundation remains a leading voice in continuing Madiba’s work. It focuses on dialogue, research, and advocacy around key social justice issues such as race relations, inequality, poverty, and the rights of children. In partnership with international institutions, it upholds Mandela’s values and promotes his vision of a better world.
As the custodians of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, the Foundation plays a key role in the year’s Nelson Mandela International Day events, educational outreach, and community programmes across South Africa and beyond.
Mandela Day 2025 is an invitation to honour Madiba’s legacy by actively engaging in community work or visiting places that reflect his lifelong commitment to justice. In South Africa, this might include visiting historic sites like Robben Island.
In Cape Town, City Sightseeing’s hop-on, hop-off tours give travellers the chance to explore landmarks tied to South Africa’s democratic history. Stop at Nobel Square at the V&A Waterfront, where a statue of Nelson Mandela stands among the country’s other Nobel Peace Prize laureates—each of whom contributed to building a free South Africa.
On 18 July and throughout the year, you can help combat poverty and inequality by giving just 67 minutes of your time. Mandela Day encourages people everywhere to volunteer—whether it's helping to support the rights of children, advocating for gender equality, or assisting efforts to address food insecurity.
City Sightseeing supports these values by offering platforms for education and awareness. Join a guided walking tour through Cape Town’s city centre to learn about Madiba’s life, his early legal work as a human rights lawyer, and the places that shaped his leadership.
This Mandela Day, experience the history, resilience, and progress of South Africa by exploring its most powerful landmarks. Whether you’re learning about conflict resolution and the struggle for democracy at Constitution Hill, or visiting Nobel Square where Mandela is honoured among fellow Peace Prize recipients, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of a man who helped shape a culture of peace throughout the world.
Book your ticket with City Sightseeing and see the city that raised a global icon. With over 30 stops and three scenic routes, it’s a meaningful way to honour Nelson Mandela’s birthday and take part in the ongoing journey toward a better future.
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