News Desk Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to use Nelson Mandela International Day as an opportunity to do more than acts of service. He said the day should also strengthen the country’s commitment to tackling poverty, inequality and injustice.
In his weekly newsletter ahead of Mandela Day on 18 July, Ramaphosa encouraged people to spend their 67 minutes helping those in need. He said simple acts such as feeding the hungry, supporting the elderly and volunteering in communities can make a real difference.
“This year, we ask every South African to heed that call. Let us give our 67 minutes through acts of service that feed the hungry, comfort the lonely or support the elderly. Let us lend our skills and time to the organisations that serve our communities every day. These acts matter because they change lives,” he said.
Ramaphosa said Mandela believed poverty should be addressed through justice, not charity alone. He urged South Africans to renew their efforts to reduce poverty and inequality across the country.
“But Madiba was clear that overcoming poverty is not an act of charity, but an act of justice. So on this Mandela Day, let us also recommit ourselves to the difficult task of ending poverty and inequality in our country and in our world,” he said.
The President said South Africa is working with other countries to address inequality at a global level. He said government is supporting plans to establish an International Panel on Inequality to assess the causes and impact of inequality and recommend policy solutions.
Ramaphosa also said government would continue investing in education, healthcare, skills development and social protection. He added that creating an environment that supports investment and protects workers remains part of efforts to reduce poverty.
He said Mandela Day should serve as a reminder that lasting change depends on both government and ordinary citizens.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa said: “It is now in your hands.”
He added: “Let the acts of service that we undertake this week be part of the foundation on which we build a better country and a better world for all.”