Every year on the 18th of July, the globe takes a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a human being who embodied the spirit of peace, equality, and justice in South Africa and the whole world. More popularly known as Madiba, Mandela’s birthday is celebrated around the world as International Mandela Day 2025; 18 July, a day when people and organisations pledge their time to serving others through acts of kindness, generosity, and social responsibility. There is a public holiday on this day in South Africa that reminds people to give at least 67 minutes of their day to service: one minute for each year that he devoted to social justice and freedom.
In 2025, Mandela Day is needed more than ever before. It falls in a year when South Africa, the world, is also dealing with increasing social and economic problems. The day’s theme calls us not just to celebrate the remarkable life of Mandela but to continue his work: the building of a more equal, humane society.
The Significance of Mandela Day
Mandela Day was also officially created by the United Nations in 2009 and is now a global day of service. Its mission is simple but effective: to empower people, communities, and businesses to make a difference and stand up. Mandela once said, “It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.”
Even though the day commemorates Mandela’s birthday on 18 July, it’s not so much a day of remembrance of him but a day of reminder to us of our responsibility to the poor, needy, the weak, and oppressed. Service can be anything from small acts such as helping your neighbour to large acts such as charity donations, community organisation, or educational assistance.
Why 67 Minutes Matter
The idea of 67 minutes is at the heart of International Mandela Day. It represents the 67 years Mandela spent in the pursuit of combating oppression and seeking equality. By donating more than an hour of our time, all of us can show our respect for his sacrifice in a real and tangible manner.
This may involve:
- Spending time with disadvantaged children.
- Donating school shoes or school materials to students in need.
- Donating some time at a local food drive or shelter.
- Supporting projects that empower women, especially in August for National Women’s Month.
Mandela believed that the power of many small steps could change society. Every 67 minutes of service brings him closer to making his vision of society a reality.
Honouring a Legacy of Service
Nelson Mandela’s impact is far greater than during his presidency. He spent his entire life putting an end to apartheid, practising peace, and striving to bring together a racially separated country. His leadership style, one of justice, humility, and forgiveness, continues to motivate leaders globally.
Commemoration of this day is not a symbolic act; it is a reminder that change is hard and has to be achieved through cooperation. By giving, volunteering, and doing good, South Africans and the world ensure that the cause of Mandela is not remembered but lived every day.
Mandela Day and South African Youth
One of the most critical issues South Africa is currently grappling with is child poverty. Most of the children are in school and lack the basic necessities, including school shoes, and this contributes to social injustices and affects self-esteem. Eradication of school shoe poverty is not simply donating shoes; it is about giving back dignity and empowering kids to learn, grow, and dream.
The tie between Mandela Day and youth empowerment is strong. Although young people were central to the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising, when they fought a heroic battle against discriminatory education policies, young people are still at the heart of South Africa’s future and present today. Empowering them is all about investing in the nation’s lifeblood.
Gebane Energy’s Commitment to Communities
Mandela Day at Gebane Energy is not only a date on the calendar, it is a call to action. Driven by our vision of offering accountable energy solutions in a trusted manner while empowering communities, we recognise that social responsibility has the power to change lives.
Mission Statement: We are committed to producing and delivering petroleum and natural gas in South Africa and overseas in an ethical way. By being efficient, innovative, and sustainable, we aim to fuel economies with a minimal environmental impact.
Vision Statement: We envision a world fueled by responsible development with energy. In delivering sustainable energy security, we aim to minimise environmental footprint and develop long-term economic growth.
Value Statement: In business or outside of it, our desire is to empower the people of South Africa. From building infrastructure to bolstering education, our values are to build a stronger national identity and future.
Gebane Energy 2025 is committed to driving and donations against youth poverty, such as campaigns to supply school shoes and assistance to students in poor communities. As part of our CSR project, we also encourage individuals and companies to contribute to the Pad Drive in August while celebrating National Women’s Month to enable women and girls to experience basic dignity and healthcare.
How to Honour Mandela Day in 2025
Mandela Day is not something that must be done in a single day. It is done by keeping the spirit of giving alive throughout the entire year. In 2025, here are some effective ways to keep Mandela’s memory alive:
Give to a Cause – Whether school shoes, food parcels, or health supplies, even a little can go a long way.
Volunteer Your Time – Donate your 67 minutes to volunteering at schools, orphanages, or community centres.
Support Local Initiatives – Donate to community organisations that strive to empower the poor.
Educate and Inspire – Pass on Mandela’s legacy to future generations so that they may remember the teachings of resilience, forgiveness, and justice.
Corporate Participation – Corporates such as Gebane Energy should set the pace by initiating CSR initiatives targeting education, healthcare, and community empowerment.
Remembering and Reminding
Mandela Day is a remembrance and an appeal on the move. It remembers Nelson Mandela’s wonderful life but calls us to live his principles. It is recalling the past and doing something concrete towards creating the future.
On 18 July 2025, when we mark International Mandela Day, let us pledge to use our 67 minutes and more towards giving back, helping those who are less fortunate, and carrying Mandela’s legacy forward. In doing so, not only do we pay him a tribute but also build a South Africa which is fairer, resilient, and united.
As Mandela himself used to remind us: “What is important in life is not that we have lived. It is the difference that we have made to the lives of other people.”