News item | 18-07-2020

On July 18th we celebrate International Mandela Day. Mandela is respected widely for his determined fight against apartheid. His efforts for a peaceful ending of the apartheid regime and paving the way for a democratic South Africa were awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. The United Nations proclaimed Mandela’s birthday on July 18 as Nelson Mandela Day in 2009 and in 2010 it was celebrated for the first time.

This year is not only special because it is the 10th Mandela Day, it is also 30 years since Nelson Mandela was released from prison. In this special year in which we also celebrate the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations 75 years ago, we want to remember the words of Tata Madiba. Especially for this occasion, the Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr. Vusimuzi Philemon Madonsela and the Director of the Peace Palace, Erik de Baedts, recorded a message to share Mandela’s words, his achievements and his legacy with the world.