Once again, the time to honour South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, has come. This is a time for all South Africans to reconnect with themselves and ask one question: What is it that I can do for someone who needs something, no matter how small? This is one of the lessons that South Africans, and the world, learnt from Mandela: look after those who are in need. As usual, the University has plans for the Mandela Month. The University’s CEAD has a month-long programme comprising several events, all designed to make a difference to those in need.
Informing the university community, Dr Mfanozelwe Shozi, Deputy Director of CEAD, reminded them that President Nelson Mandela’s efforts in building a nation with multiple wounds—some visible to the naked eye and others deeply emotional due to years of suffering under apartheid—were significant. Mandela showed the world that any victim of injustice has the power to change their situation. Ultimately, true freedom lies in the hands of the victim. He left Victor Verster prison as a free man, walking out of the gate on 11 February 1990, determined to teach everyone a lesson: we all need to care for each other, even our former captors.
On 18 July, the world celebrates Mandela’s birthday. This day was declared Nelson Mandela International Day by the United Nations. Dr Shozi said July offers everyone the chance to answer the call to recognise their power to make an impact and change the world around them.
In honour of Mandela’s legacy, the Nelson Mandela Foundation focused its efforts on several key areas for the 2025 Mandela Month, including early childhood development, food security, education and literacy, shelter, active citizenship, sanitation, nutrition, and creating just cities. The theme and call to action for Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 is: “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality”.
MUT staff and students will fan out and visit communities to deliver what the programme says. Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of CEAD, has reminded everyone of an important principle that guides their connection with the communities: the University’s strategic Goal 3: Excellence in Community Engagement, which motivates the MUT community to partner with strategic collaborators to commemorate this important day.
Dr Shozi said that in a meeting MUT held with stakeholders on 25 June 2025, community members and community organisations urged MUT and all organisations to start all Mandela Month activities and programmes with a prayer, praying for social ills and crime. Stakeholders have adopted the attached Mandela Month programme.