Plans are at an advanced stage in Mpumalanga to host the 2026 Mandela day activities, as the country commemorates former President, Nelson Mandela in the month of July. The annual commemoration seeks to mobilise communities and all sectors of the society to address the socio-economic challenges of poverty, inequality, injustice, among others, in line with Madiba’s call to action.
The United Nations and the South African government declared July 18 as the Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009 while the South African government declared July as the Mandela month in 2013, in honour of the first democratic President. Since the declarations, the July month is dedicated to the activities related to Mandela’s vision, and are linked to his birthday, celebrated on the 18th July in the country and around the globe.
This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: “It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity".
Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Executive Mayors, Municipal Speakers and Councillors, will be leading the Mandela Day activities. The Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, her Deputy and the Chief Whip, will also be leading activities in the 17 Local Municipalities, across the three Districts.
Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu has urged communities in the province to participate in the 67 minutes activities set to honour former President Mandela. “The former President worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of all citizens, especially those with unpleasant background. He refused to enjoy a comfortable life in the face of the destitute, homeless and the hungry. His commitment to serve humanity had a global effect. His inspiration led many people to devote their time into helping people with no shelter, no food and living in unhygienic conditions,” Premier Ndlovu explained.
Premier Ndlovu is optimistic that communities in Mpumalanga will heed Madiba’s call to action, and participate in the broad range of activities, which include the refurbishment of dilapidated infrastructure, repairing of potholes, cleaning campaigns, and the improvement of the living conditions of the vulnerable groups in the society.
The Office of the Premier’s Mandela Day activities will take place at Phola, Khayelisha, in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
Members of the media are invited to attend the activities. To RSVP, please contact Ms Phumla Mokoena - Setwaba (Office of the Premier) on 060 998 8781 by 16 July 2026.
ENDS…
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contacts: (013) 766 2242/ 083 302 2774