
Nelson Mandela 100

2018 marks the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. This provides a unique opportunity for people around the world to reflect on his life and times and to promote his legacy. In 2018 the Nelson Mandela Foundation will seek to create appropriate platforms for such engagement.
Nelson Mandela established the Foundation as his post-presidential office in 1999. As he stepped away from public life he gave us a robust social justice mandate in the areas of memory and dialogue. The Mandela Day campaign was introduced in 2009 as a tool for the world to honour him by interpreting his legacy in the contexts of working to meet the needs of local communities.
By any measure Nelson Mandela’s impact, both locally and globally, has been unparalleled. But the unfinished business of his life-work looms large. The South Africa of his dreams remains tantalisingly out of reach. We will use his centenary year to continue working to make these dreams a reality. And we will strive to fulfil his wish that the Foundation become fully sustainable. He initiated our endowment strategy in 2007 during the lead-up to his 90thbirthday. It would be appropriate to complete the endowment in the year of what would have been his 100th birthday.
Madiba’s dreams require us, in 2018 especially, to focus our work around four primary objectives: the eradication of poverty and inequality, the dismantling of structural racism, the building of institutions of democracy, and the broadening of freedom of information. Core programmes at the Foundation underpin each of these objectives. And delivery of online access to his personal archive before the end of the year will support all of them.
No single person, family, institution or country owns the legacy of Nelson Mandela. Ultimately it belongs to everyone who is working for social justice, wherever they are in the world. Our aim in 2018 is to make that legacy more available to those committed to continuing struggles for justice. The future of humanity hinges on these struggles.
MESSAGES
As the Foundation, we will mark this year by investing our efforts in building a values-based society. Though our variety of programmes and activities, we will channel society towards the revival of values, fundamentally anchored in ubuntu.
BE THE LEGACY
With this call to action, the Foundation seeks to charge society to accept Madiba’s challenge, to take upon itself the responsibility to solve the challenges of the world. When he said, “It is in your hands to make of the world a better place”, we believe he was passing on the responsibility to the next generation of leading and helping change the world for the better.
FIND THE MADIBA IN YOU
With this message we intend to inspire people of the world in their diversity to search within themselves and find the good that inherently exists within.
ACTION AGAINST POVERTY

As part of its commitment to making meaningful and sustainable interventions in challenges facing the continent and the world, the Foundation, through one of its key pillars and outreach programmes, Nelson Mandela International Day (Mandela Day), has sought to focus attention on poverty. We are constantly reminded of Madiba’s words:
“The world remains beset by so much human suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
This sub-message seeks to mobilise society’s efforts both from the perspective of research as we look for long-term solutions, as well as short-term ones as we intervene directly in poverty. In the end, we must end poverty and human suffering.

This is a direct call to action to public institutions, corporates and individuals to act as sources of inspiration and engage in conversations and actions that commit to establishing sustainable programmes in local communities. This is to also inspire society to act every day and not only to take up the responsibility of impacting other people’s lives on 18 July, but throughout the year, too.
VALUES
There are many values that define Madiba’s character. We also know that many people relate to different values of Madiba for different reasons. Some of these include, but are not limited to, love, peace, forgiveness and humility.
As the Foundation we have institutionalised some of these values and these will become a consistent part of our messaging throughout 2018 and beyond. We encourage any other partner organisation or stakeholder to identify some of these, or other values, and adopt them for themselves.
THE NELSON MANDELA FOUNDATION INSTITUTIONAL VALUES

The Foundation seeks to create a values-based society and, through the mirror of its own values, plans to positively influence society to adopt the following values:
- Integrity – We are committed to being ethical, professional, reliable and authentic
- Passion – We care deeply about the world and the work we do in it. We aim to go the extra mile
- Respect – We listen carefully, honour difference and embrace inclusivity
- Service – Work for us is a calling. We strive for excellence in serving our public. We work to build the world of Nelson Mandela's dreams
- Transformation – We are determined to fight injustice in all its forms. We are committed to continuing self-renewal. We welcome creativity
- Transparency – We believe in freedom of information. We strive to share information resources as widely as possible. We respect legitimate restrictions on access

Mandela Day
Education Initiatives
Everyone knows Nelson Mandela’s insightful injunction: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In this centenary year of Mandela’s birth we remember and build on his social justice legacy, with these words ringing in our ears.
Our education initiatives aim to fulfil all four of the primary objectives of this centenary year: the eradication of poverty and inequality, the dismantling of structural racism, the building of institutions of democracy, and the broadening of freedom of information.
“A real leader uses every issue, no matter how serious and sensitive, to ensure that at the end of the debate we should emerge stronger and more united than ever before.” – Nelson Mandela
Event | Date | Description |
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Tshimong Youth Debate Competition | April 2018 | Inaugural Nelson Mandela Debating Challenge. |
Introducing Mandela Rhodes Foundation Centenary Scholars | 14 July 2018 | The Mandela Rhodes Foundation will celebrate Nelson Mandela's centenary with a milestone 100 Mandela Rhodes Scholars in residence in 2018. This was a commitment made to Mandela, the founding patron, 15 years ago, when the Mandela Rhodes Foundation was formed. The accomplishment serves as a living testament to the continued vision and dream that Mandela had of providing education and exceptional leadership development opportunities to young leaders from across the African continent. |
Nelson Mandela Centenary Libraries (Shwashweni Primary School) | October 2018 | The Shwashweni school library, in Mbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, is being completed in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation and is to be named one of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Libraries. |
Nelson Mandela Centenary Libraries (Zamokuhle Primary School) | November 2018 | The Zamokuhle school library, in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, is being completed in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation and is to be named one of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Libraries. |
Films, Books & Publications
Nelson Mandela’s love of reading and respect for the arts is well-known. In the years directly after Mandela was elected South Africa’s first post-democracy president, he set up a group of arts leaders to develop a plan for arts transformation and funding in South Africa.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, in collaboration with publishers, will release several books and publications in honour of Nelson Mandela during his centenary year. There will also be a stage play and a TV series, among others.
Event | Date | Description |
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'I Remember Nelson Mandela' launch | 19 June 2018 | The second book in a series of centenary publications details anecdotes from people who worked closely with Madiba, revealing glimpses into little-known aspects of the icon. |
'The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela' book launch | 11 July 2018 | A landmark work: the first and only authorised and authenticated collection of correspondence spanning the 27 years Mandela was held as a political prisoner. |
'The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela' book launch (Sesc Villa Mariana, São Paulo) | 21 August 2018 | A landmark work: the first and only authorised and authenticated collection of correspondence spanning the 27 years Mandela was held as a political prisoner. |
Art and Exhibitions
Nelson Mandela charmed the world with his bright, patterned Madiba shirts and his ability to dance. In this, his centenary year, Madiba will also be celebrated in song, dance and other forms of art.
“During the worst years of repression, when all avenues of legitimate protest were closed by emergency legislation, it was the arts that articulated the plight and the democratic aspirations of our people. This affirmation was demonstrated through drama, dance, literature, song, film, paintings and sculpture that defied the silence that apartheid sought to impose.” – Nelson Mandela
Event | Date | Description |
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Bassline Africa Music Festival 2018 | May 2018 | |
Africa's Travel Indaba | May 2018 | |
10th World Choir Games | 4-14 July | Based on the Olympic ideals, which aim to peacefully unify people and nations, this choir competition aims to forge connections between people through song. |
Exhibition by FotoZA | 5 July 2018 | Rosebank Mall, in partnership with PhotoZA, hosts an exhibition throughout the Johannesburg mall, celebrating the life and times of Nelson Mandela. |
"Letters from Mandela" play | 10 July 2018 | In partnership with the Market Theatre, the much-acclaimed play based on letters written by Nelson Mandela while in prison will have a run a the National Arts Festival. |
Unveiling of Prof Pika Ntuli's black granite sculpture | 11 July 2018 | The Melrose Gallery, Melrose Arch. The exhibition features work inspired by Mandela and the principles for which he stood. Photography, painting, sculpture, tapestry, mixed media and signed, limited-edition prints will be available. |
Launch of the South African Reserve Bank's commemorative banknotes and coin | 13 July 2018 | The South African Reserve Bank issues commemorative notes in honour of Nelson Mandela's centenary. The notes will be released nationally on 18 July. |
Legacy Concert (Porto) | 18-20 July 2018 | A three-day musical festival celebrating Nelson Mandela's contribution to the world. |
Public opening of exhibition at The Melrose Gallery | 18 July 2018 | A celebration of Mandela's birthday. The exhibition continues to 19 August. |
Letters from Mandela | 18 July | A special performance piece, to commemorate Nelson Mandela's centenary, conceived and directed by James Ngcobo. Hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Market Theatre Foundation. |
uMbatha – The Zulu Macbeth | 30 July 2018 | A 1970 play, written by South African playwright Welcome Msomi, as an adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. |
Minnesota Orchestra South African Tour (Cape Town) | 8 August 2018 | The Minnesota Orchestra's South African tour, including the world premiere of Bongani Ndodana-Breen's 'Harmonia Ubuntu', a new work written in honour of Nelson Mandela. |
Minnesota Orchestra South African Tour (Cape Town) | 11 August 2018 | The Minnesota Orchestra's South African tour, including the world premiere of Bongani Ndodana-Breen's 'The Minnesota Orchestra's South African tour, including the world premiere of Bongani Ndodana-Breen's 'Harmonia Ubuntu', a new work written in honour of Nelson Mandela. Ubuntu', a new work written in honour of Nelson Mandela. |
Minnesota Orchestra South African Tour (Durban) | 12 August 2018 | The Minnesota Orchestra's South African tour, including the world premiere of Bongani Ndodana-Breen's 'Harmonia Ubuntu', a new work written in honour of Nelson Mandela. |
Minnesota Orchestra South African Tour (Tshwane) | 15-16 August 2018 | The Minnesota Orchestra's South African tour, including the world premiere of Bongani Ndodana-Breen's 'Harmonia Ubuntu', a new work written in honour of Nelson Mandela. |
Minnesota Orchestra South African Tour (Soweto) | 17 August 2018 | The Minnesota Orchestra's South African tour, including the world premiere of Bongani Ndodana-Breen's 'Harmonia Ubuntu', a new work written in honour of Nelson Mandela. |
Drums of the World | 15 September 2018 | A choreographed stage production showcasing all South African ethnic groups in a powerful celebratory extravaganza and drum symphony to serve as a conduit through which poignant messages will be communicated to all corners of the world in a symphony of music, song and dance. |
Moncalieri Jazz Festival (Italy) | 3-25 November 2018 | Dedicated to the theme of human rights and to the memory of Nelson Mandela, the late former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The festival will conclude with a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra RAI-Italian State Broadcaster and the performances from important musicians such as Fabrizio Bosso (trumpet) and Rosario Giuliani (sax). South African singer-songwriter Simphiwe Dana is to perform in a play specifically written and directed by Stefano Fonzi. |
100 Years of Iconic Fashion | January 2019 | An initiative that identifies and showcases global fashion icons who make a difference in the world. |
The Island | 25 April 2019 | A powerful play, written by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona. The drama, set in the apartheid era, unfolds on an unnamed island clearly depicting the infamous Robben Island, where Mandela was incarcerated. |
Dialogue
Dialogue and negotiation is one of the things Nelson Mandela is best remembered for. Although he was always quick to point out that he was not the only person who should be credited with negotiating an end to apartheid that avoided civil war, it was Mandela’s message of peace and reconciliation that brought South Africans together at a dangerous time.
“Unfortunately none of us can escape blame for the situation in which humankind finds itself. In almost every part of the world, human beings find reasons to resort to force and violence in addressing differences that we surely should attempt to resolve through negotiation, dialogue and reason.” – Nelson Mandela
Event | Date | Description |
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OLSO Freedom Forum (Johannesburg) | March 2018 | |
African Ambassadors Dialogue | May 2018 | |
'I Remember Nelson Mandela" book launch dialogue | 6 June 2018 | 'I Remember Nelson Mandela" is a collection of remembrances from those who beside Mandela. |
National Youth Day celebrations | 16 June 2018 | Event with the theme 'Live the Legacy: Towards a Socio-economically Empowered Youth'. Held by the Ministry of Arts & Culture. |
Mail & Guardian Critical Thinking Forum (Renewing the Mandela Legacy) | 26 June 2018 | This forum will focus on new injections into the Mandela discourse and on lesser-known aspects of Madiba's story under the theme, 'Renewing the Mandela Legacy and prompting active citizenship in a changing world'. |
Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture | 17 July 2018 | The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture series invites prominent people to drive debate on significant social issues. The lecture series encourages people to enter into dialogue – often about difficult subjects – in order to address the challenges we face today. |
Nelson Mandela Centenary Colloquium (Stellenbosch) | 18-19 July 2018 | The colloquium aims to focus attention on new insights that the South African democratic transition under Nelson Mandela's leadership introduced to the literature on the aftermath of mass trauma and violence, using research trends. |
iMadiba Launch | 23 July 2018 | This is an attempt to recreate sculptures of a concrete bench, exactly according to the measurements of Nelson Mandela's cell on Robben Island, on as many places across the world as possible. The benches will be places for conversation. |
Princess Gabo Foundation (Barolong Boo Seleka Royal Kraal, Thaba Nchu, South Africa) | 3 August 2018 | The Princess Gabo Foundation in partnership with the University of the Free State and the Nelson Mandela commemorates the Nelson Mandela Centenary with the "Leojwa le sa le metsi – ligotshwa limanzi; kangaroo care for every newborn" campaign. |
European Parliament event (Brussels) | 14 -17 August 2018 | An event to honour Nelson Mandela. |
United Nations Mandela Peace Seminar (New York) | 25-28 September 2018 | A seminar, hosted by the UN, in honour of Mandela. |
Institut Francais d'Afrique du Sud (IFAS) conference | 26-28 September 2018 | A collaboration between the University of the Witwatersrand's History Workshop, the Foundation and IFAS Recherche to reflect on the contemporary and historical significance of the Rivonia trial. This is an historical archive of the wider process of the opening of the apartheid archives, other colonial archives and those of repressive African regimes. |
UNISA Tribute to Nelson Mandela Seminar | 8 October 2018 | A seminar in honour of Nelson Mandela’s centenary and UNISA’s milestone in reaching its 145th birthday, celebrating Madiba as a statesman and an alumnus. |
Independent Philanthropy Association of SA (IPASA) Symposium | 30-31 October 2018 | This symposium aims to bring philanthropic and grant-making sectors together to consider new ways of making impact by contributing to a learning agenda and enabling thought through leadership. |
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people | 29 November 2018 | Dr Alkidwa will deliver a message in line with the centenary of Nelson Mandela and heritage and legacy of the late President Yasser Arafat in cooperation with DIRCO, UNIC and DAC for the Palestinian people. |
Fireside Chats | 10 May 2019 | In true African oral tradition, our legends tell their life stories around a beautiful African fire. While the series will pay tribute to leading African figures, ordinary unsung heroes will also be celebrated. |
Sporting Codes
There are few photographs more conciliatory in South African history than the 1995 photograph of Nelson Mandela, wearing a Springbok jersey, hoisting the World Cup trophy with Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.
Sport was always important to Mandela. He is remembered as an enthusiastic and dedicated boxer, during his 27 years in prison he kept up a punishing exercise regimen which he continued as president of South Africa, famously rising at 5am – sometimes earlier – to keep this up.
“I found that I worked better and thought more clearly when I was in good physical condition, and so training became one of the inflexible disciplines of my life.” – Nelson Mandela
Event | Date | Description |
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South African Rugby: Robben Island Tour | 20 June 2018 | SA Rugby take a tour of Robben Island with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. |
South African Rugby: SA vs England | 23 June 2018 | |
South African Rugby (Port Elizabeth) | 28 June 2018 | Springbok fundraiser |
South African Rugby (Port Elizabeth) | 29 June 2018 | SA vs Australia |
Women's Hockey World Cup (London) | 7-21 July 2018 | South Africa's Women's Hockey team will be taking part in the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup. |
Rundela27 Race | 15 July 2018 | a 27km race through Johannesburg to commemorate the number of years Mandela was imprisoned. |
Legacy 100 runs - Guinness World Record attempt | 18 July 2018 | A Guinness World Record attempt in which 100 cities across the world to participate in the Legacy 100 runs, in tribute to Nelson Mandela. In South Africa runs will be held in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Bloemfontein. |
Kaya FM Golf Day | 19 July 2018 | For the benefit of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. |
Trek4Mandela (Mount Kilimanjaro) | 2-9 August 2018 | This expedition aims to raise funds to ensure that at least 350 000 girls do not miss a day of school owing to menstrual challenges. The ultimate goal is to help two million girls by 2020. |
NBA Africa game | 4 August 2018 | The NBA's Basketball Without Borders, with a special focus on youth development. The charity game is part of an action-packed week-long celebration of basketball, live entertainment and community. |
Ride4Hope | 27-31 August 2018 | The Nelson Mandela Legacy RIDE4HOPE is a platform to share Mandela’s message of hope as it travels along a 554km route: from Vilakazi Street in Soweto (Gauteng) to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick (KwaZulu-Natal). |
FIFA Legends Game (Russia) | 3-11 September 2018 | FIFA Legends vs Mandela XI (South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho), in Russia. |
Nelson Mandela Rugby Challenge (Port Elizabeth) | 29 September 2018 | |
Horse race charity event | 6 October 2018 | One of a series of charity horse races held around South Africa to celebrate and sustain the legacy of Nelson Mandela. |
CAF (Confederation of African Football) Champions League final | 2 and 9 November 2018 | Final game organised by the Confederation of African Football. |
Soweto Marathon | 4 November 2018 | This marathon starts and ends at the FNB Stadium. |
France vs South Africa rugby (Paris) | 10 November 2018 | The Springboks play the French in Paris. |
Horse race charity event (Cape Town) | 8 December 2018 | One of a series of charity horse races held around South Africa to celebrate and sustain the legacy of Nelson Mandela. |
Remembrance Walk & Run | 9 December 2018 | An event to commemorate the legacy of Nelson Mandela. |
Campaigns and Fundraising
Nelson Mandela campaigned all his adult life, for a better life for his fellow South Africans, and for people everywhere.
"If freedom was the crown which the fighters of liberation sought to place on the head of mother Africa, let the upliftment, the happiness, prosperity and comfort of her children be the jewel of the crown." - Nelson Mandela
Event | Date | Description |
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Phillips Shave2Remember | 30 June 2018 | This Foundation initiative, generously supported by electronics manufacturer Phillips, affords the public the opportunity to have Nelson Mandela's "Mandela path" shaved into their hair. This will be a reminder to the wearer to do good in their daily life, and commit to building a just and fair world. |
MIAGI Youth Orchestra concerts (Konzerthaus Berlin, Germany) | 2 August 2018 | Music Is A Great Investment believes that music can connect people across borders. They aim to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela by fortifying and promoting his values through the harmony of the MIAGI Youth Orchestra. This will be a special event for the government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the benefit of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. |
MIAGI Youth Orchestra concerts - Young Euro Classical Festival (Konzerthaus Berlin, Germany) | 3 August 2018 | Music Is A Great Investment believes that music can connect people across borders. They aim to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela by fortifying and promoting his values through the harmony of the MIAGI Youth Orchestra. This will be a special event for the benefit of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. |
African Polo Tournament | 18 August 2018 | Lux Afrique Polo will be hosting a dinner and auction event for the benefit of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. |
44th Annual Nederburg Auction | 7-8 September 2018 | A unique, exclusive opportunity for local and international buyers to experience the pinnacle of the country’s finest, matured vintages, many of which are not available on the open market. This event will be for the benefit of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. |
Distell Dinner | 14 September 2018 | A fundraising dinner for the NMF. This dinner will allow for discussions on the role of NMF in the political milieu. |
Distell Dinner | 4 October 2018 | A fundraising dinner for the NMF. |
Distell Dinner | 15 November 2018 | A fundraising dinner for the NMF. |
A Mandela Portrait | 2020 | A symphonic orchestra production, written and directed by the fundraiser, incorporating dance, voice and narration, paying tribute to Nelson Mandela. |
Mandela Fridays
Nelson Mandela's life was one of service to others, and Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us that we, too, should be making the world a better place in whatever ways we can. Mandela Fridays are there to encourage us to do this more often than once a year, in fact to do this at least on the last Friday of every month: Mandela Friday.
"It is in your hands to make of the world a better place." - Nelson Mandela