Opinion| Mandela Day must go beyond being just another annual ritual

XOLA PAKATI|

NELSON Mandela’s name has become synonymous with the struggle for freedom, democracy, and nation-building. Such was the African National Congress’ prowess and success in profiling Mandela as a central figure in the struggle during the three decades of Oliver Tambo’s stewardship of the organisation.

By the early 1970s, Mandela had become a household name across the globe even as the apartheid regime had him and his fellow freedom fighters incarcerated on Robben Island.

The November 2009 UN General Assembly declaration of July 18 as “Nelson Mandela International Day” was yet another affirmation of his international standing and the virtue of the struggle against apartheid.

Since then, millions around the world spend a minimum of 67 minutes every 18th of July in righteous pursuit of one good deed or another under the slogan: “Take Action! Inspire Change!”

Meaningful social change of the weight with which Mandela and his generation