The President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, highlighted the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Monday, on the occasion of the International Day of the South African leader, who made history for his anti-apartheid struggle.
From his Twitter account, the Cuban president highlighted the anniversary and stressed “let no one forget the struggles and sufferings of the great anti-colonial and anti-imperialist fighter. He was a great friend of Fidel and of Cuba, to whom he thanked for his contribution to the end of apartheid”.
Today the world celebrates #MandelaDay2022. Let no one forget the struggles and sufferings of the great anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist fighter. He was a great friend of #Fidel and of #Cubawhom he thanked for their contribution to the end of apartheid #CubaForPeace pic.twitter.com/khsavzJCl8
– Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) July 18, 2022
The date to honor the late African leader was established by the United Nations Organization (UN), coinciding with the day of his birth (July 18, 1918). It is celebrated all over the world remembering the legacy of the also Nobel Prize of Peace, recalls the agency Eph.
As every year, the UN has called to dedicate about 67 minutes to a good cause, a number that coincides with the number of years that “Madiba” (as Mandela was known in his country) had dedicated to the fight for social justice when this campaign was established (2009).
“Today is Nelson Mandela Day, which is commemorated in South Africa and around the world. In honor of the birthday of the founding father of our democracy, we are called to spend 67 minutes doing good deeds, serving others and making a difference in our communities,” the current president of South AfricaCyril Ramaphosa, in an open letter to the nation reviewed by the Spanish media.
Under the slogan “Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are”, in the anti-apartheid activist’s home country, the date is commemorated with donations of food, clothing and blankets, solidarity races, conferences and initiatives against climate change, among many other proposals, adds the note.
Both Ramaphosa and other members of the Government, companies and public institutions also participate in these activities. The South African president, in particular, traveled to the southwestern city of Gqeberha (previously called Port Elizabeth) to help in a campaign to clean up rivers in the area.
The rest of the world is also called to join these initiatives, as the UN Secretary General recalled on Monday, Antonio Guterres, via Twitter. “Nelson Mandela showed that each of us has the ability – and the responsibility – to build a better future for all. We can all find inspiration in Madiba’s vision and work to make our world more just, compassionate, prosperous and sustainable,” said Guterres.
In Cuba, among other actions dedicated to recognizing the life and work of the outstanding South African fighter, the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder) Together with the South African embassy in Havana, they convened for the coming Saturday, July 30, the VII edition of the Race for Mandela, with face-to-face character.
I was honored to meet Nelson Mandela many times.
His compassion & commitment to peace have always been a deep personal inspiration.
On #MandelaDaylet’s remember Madiba’s life, embrace his legacy and follow his example. pic.twitter.com/roDsmv0kLd
— Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 18, 2022
According to one note published by the sports portal HitIn addition to the main test that will take place that day in the surroundings of Restaurant 1830, in Havana, other popular races and walks will be held throughout the country in honor of the outstanding figure who faced colonialism and segregation. in his country, and is a world reference in social struggles.
