With Nelson Mandela Day approaching on 18 July, it's a good time to reflect on who Mandela was, the powerful legacy he left behind, and how we, both as individuals and organisations, can continue his work today.

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist, political leader, and humanitarian. After spending 27 years in prison for opposing the apartheid regime, he became South Africa’s first Black president and a global symbol of peace, forgiveness, and resilience. His presidency, which lasted from 1994 to 1999, marked a turning point, the end of decades of institutional racism and the beginning of a democratic South Africa. But, perhaps even more impactful than his time in office was his strong commitment to reconciliation over revenge and his lifelong dedication to building a fairer society, not only in South Africa but across the world.

In recognition of his work, the United Nations declared 18th July as Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009. Rather than a public holiday, Mandela Day encourages people to spend 67 minutes doing something positive for others, one minute for every year Mandela devoted to fighting for human rights and social justice. Although the specific systems Mandela stood against may have changed, the core values he stood for, equality, education, and dignity, remain just as relevant today.

Many of the challenges Mandela worked to overcome still exist, in different forms around the world, these include:

• Social and racial inequality – Discrimination and unequal access to opportunity are still prevalent in many countries and communities

• Youth unemployment – Young people, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, still often face barriers when trying to enter the workforce

• Limited access to education – Millions of children around the world are still unable to access quality education

• Economic injustice – The gap between rich and poor continues to grow, limiting social mobility for many

Mandela believed that ordinary people have the power to create meaningful change. His legacy reminds us that progress doesn’t always come from grand gestures. It often begins with small, everyday actions. 

How we can honour Mandela’s legacy in just 67 minutes:

• Spend time supporting young people: Many youth centres in the UK have closed over the last ten years, and worldwide, millions of young people are neither in work nor education. Spend 67 minutes mentoring, coaching, or simply listening to and supporting a young person. For businesses, giving employees the time to volunteer or mentor can make a big difference. Some companies, like Deloitte and Salesforce, offer dedicated “impact days” where staff can give back to the community.

• Organise a conversation or workshop on equality and justice: Use the 67 minutes to hold a short talk, group discussion, or workshop focused on social justice, diversity, or human rights. Whether in the workplace, a local school, or a community group, it’s a great way to raise awareness and encourage action inspired by Mandela’s values.

• Perform acts of kindness in your own neighbourhood: Take 67 minutes to perform small acts of kindness within your community, help a neighbour with errands, deliver groceries for an elderly resident, or simply spend time listening to someone who might be lonely. 

Mandela Day is not just about remembering the past, it is about using his lessons to help shape a better future. As Mandela himself once said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” Let’s make those 67 minutes count.