MEDIA ADVISORY

Dar-es Salaam 17^th July, 2012 This year Nelson Mandela will mark his 94th birthday — the UN is joining a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the South African High Commission and the South African community in Tanzania to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.  For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

In Tanzania, the South African High Commission invites you to commemorate the 67 minutes through community service at the Tandale Primary school. Basically, activities will involve the repair of school desks, painting classes and blackboards, minor repair work and cleaning the school environment.

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July as "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the uplifting of poor and underdeveloped communities. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

Organized by the South African High Commission, this day is intended to increase awareness among Tanzanians and the global public about the role that was played by Mandela in bringing about peace and security and to encourage people to dedicate at least 67 minutes of community service to improve our world by supporting the development of children. We hope you will join us in this commemoration