3 August 2008. South Africa. Gauteng. Pretoria. Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, celebrates his 90th birthday at Loftus Stadium.
No, Mandela Day is not a public holiday
A bit of confusion out there around whether or not it’s a public holiday. It’s not.
3 August 2008. South Africa. Gauteng. Pretoria. Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, celebrates his 90th birthday at Loftus Stadium.
There are a few very confused South Africans out there this week. Schools are due to return from their holidays this week – on 17 July – but a message was doing the rounds saying that pupils only need to return on 19 July because of Mandela Day.
The Department of Basic Education spokesperson has, however, clarified that this is not true. In a statement, the department said:
“A social media message about a delayed start to the term, due to Mandela Day events on 18 July has caused much confusion in the basic education sector, and it is false.
“We expect all our pupils and teachers alike to report for duty as scheduled in order to commence the third term…The Mandela and Sisulu centenary celebrations will proceed without causing disruptions in schools.
“Both Mandela and Sisulu were committed to playing their part to ensure that all young people in South Africa had access to education without disturbances.
“This malicious social media message is therefore contrary to what both our late leaders stood for,” said the spokesperson.
What and when is Mandela Day?
The day is held annually and around the world in honour of former President Nelson Mandela. It is celebrated on 18 July every year, the day of his birth.
The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. However, other groups began celebrating Mandela Day on 18 July 2009.
According to the official website:
Mandela Day calls on us all, every day, to make the world a better place. Each year on 18 July we look back on what has been done, and forward to what will be done.
Making every day a Mandela Day celebrates Madiba’s life and legacy in a sustainable way that will bring about enduring change.
This year as we celebrate 100 years since Nelson Mandela’s birth, we ask you to join us in our 100 Days Count Down to Mandela Day #100to100.
Some notable events include the 46664 concerts. The 2018 event is extra special as it is would have been Mandela’s 100th birthday.
There are a number of fundraising and volunteer initiatives around the country which everyone is encouraged to take part in.
South Africa’s next public holiday is on 9 August, when the country celebrates Women’s Day.
