South Africa marks International Mandela Day
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South Africa on Tuesday marked International Mandela Day with President Cyril Ramaphosa saying his government had recommitted itself to building a society to which Nelson Mandela dedicated his life.
The United Nations in 2009 declared the former world statesman's birthday Nelson Mandela International Day. On 5 December, the world will mark a decade since his death.
“Since the advent of our democracy, we have dedicated great effort and resources towards alleviating poverty and reducing inequality. Through its substantial social protection programmes, the government has provided vital support to millions of South Africans, lifting many out of extreme poverty and meeting many of their needs,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said striving for peace in the world, for an end to conflicts everywhere, and for a true international fellowship of humankind are the ideals that Nelson Mandela stood for.
He said these ideals were relevant in the past and are even more so on Tuesday, with many parts of the continent and the world still embroiled in conflict.
He added that South Africa's experience with negotiating an end to apartheid and with building a multiparty democracy is regularly sought out by parties seeking to bring conflict to an end.
-0- PANA CU/MA 18July2023
