Cape town: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to dedicate their Mandela Day to acts of service, emphasizing the importance of feeding the hungry and providing comfort to those in need. International Mandela Day, commemorated annually on July 18, marks Nelson Mandela's birthday and serves as a global day of action to address poverty, inequality, and injustice.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa encouraged citizens to offer 67 minutes of service, inspired by Mandela's 67 years of public service. He highlighted that overcoming poverty is an act of justice, aligning with the former President's beliefs. The President urged South Africans to work towards ending poverty and inequality both locally and globally, including transforming financial institutions to better serve developing economies and honoring climate change commitments.

On the international front, the South African government leveraged its G20 Presidency to prioritize global inequality. Efforts continue with collaborations to establish an International Panel on Inequality. Locally, Mandela Day serves as a reminder to sustain investments in education, health, and prioritize the needs of the vulnerable. The President emphasized the importance of strengthening early education, overhauling the skills development system, and improving healthcare access.

President Ramaphosa also highlighted the need for laws and policies that protect workers and encourage investment. The government aims to enhance social protection systems and support employment programs. He called on citizens to work with the government to address poverty and inequality, reflecting Mandela's belief in the power of ordinary people to create change.

The President concluded by urging South Africans to let their acts of service contribute to building a just and inclusive society, as Mandela once said: "It is now in your hands."