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The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) has written to the President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, to request that Mandela Day on 18 July be declared an annual public holiday.

?Every year South Africans are reminded of the 67 years of his life that Nelson Mandela gave fighting for the rights of humanity, equality, justice and democracy all South Africans enjoy today. The spirit behind Mandela Day is gaining global traction and increasingly more individuals, groups and organisations are donating 67minutes of their time to make a difference in the lives of others. Nelson Mandela is not only a living legend but he also represents the qualities ofcompassion, determination and unity we must strive for as a nation to make a better South Africa for all,? explained IMATU General Secretary, Johan Koen.

By declaring 18 July a public holiday, South Africans would be able to honour the great Madiba and his legacy as well as having the opportunity to celebrate this day and what it represents to South Africa as a nation. Individuals will also be afforded the opportunity to donate far more than 67 minutes to a worthy cause.