South Africa's Mandela Day sparks community and environmental action

Every year on 18 July South Africa marks Nelson Mandela International Day, a UN‑declared observance that forms the core of the country's Mandela Month. 2024's commemoration carries the theme “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” urging citizens, businesses and civil society to advance the values Mandela championed.

WWF South Africa’s “This Is Where We Live” campaign is directing the public toward simple, at‑home actions that benefit both neighbours and the environment. Suggested activities include removing invasive alien plants, clearing litter from streets and drains to stop river pollution, expanding household recycling and composting, swapping harsh chemicals for natural cleaners, buying produce from local farmers, growing edible plants on balconies and organising small‑scale neighbourhood clean‑ups. The initiative aims to turn the 67 minutes of service into lasting habits that reinforce community cohesion and protect South Africa’s biodiversity.