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On July 18, the world celebrates former President Nelson Mandela's birthday, which was declared by the United Nations in 2009 as Nelson Mandela International Day.  South Africa will however commemorate the legacy of Tata Mandela – as he was affectionately known – for the whole month of July.

In support of this month and as part of its mandate to build pride, patriotism, and a spirit of active citizenship, Nelson Mandela Foundation, in partnership with Brand South Africa, will launch the ‘Play you Part for Madiba’ campaign on 6 July 2015 2015.  This campaign is aimed at galvanising citizens into embodying the values and spirit of Madiba and playing their part for our country’s growth and development.

Mr Mandela followed three principles throughout his life: Free yourself, Free others, Serve every day. Following these three principles the aim of Mandela Day is to ensure that we continue to perpetuate Madiba’s legacy in making our world a better one for all, through acts of kindness, no matter how small.

The month long campaign aims to uphold President Nelson Mandela’s legacy.  President Mandela became a moral authority and a symbol of what we can achieve with true dedication to the cause of  peace, dignity, reconciliation and forgiveness, and in so doing help to make a difference to build a global movement for good.

Mandela Day is an initiative dedicated to giving back to those less fortunate, the vulnerable and marginalised in our society. In fact, Mandela Day actively encourages service to others, just as Madiba himself gave many years of his life in service to humanity.

Interventions, such as the ‘Play your Part for Madiba’ campaign give expression to South Africa’s commitment to human development as outlined in the National Development Plan, and positions the youth as key role-players to the country’s drive for social and economic development.

As the nation and the world remembers the profound and lasting impressions of Madiba, who is recognised and celebrated as an icon for racial equality and freedom - South Africans are encouraged to play their part towards positive change by building their communities and upholding a spirit of Ubuntu and social cohesion.

Issued by Brand South Africa