Upcoming Nelson Mandela International Day to focus on sustainable solutions amid climate change

JOHANNESBURG, July 14  — Nelson Mandela Foundation on Thursday said the upcoming Nelson Mandela International Day will focus on sustainable interventions such as fruit and tree planting, and promoting community and backyard gardens, as climate change is affecting food security.
In recognition of the former South African president’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, UN General Assembly in 2009 declared July 18, Mandela’s birthday, to be Nelson Mandela International Day.
The foundation, founded by Mandela in 1999, in a statement called on people to support a campaign themed on the intersection between food security and climate change. It also called on the public to use the day to find and pursue sustainable solutions to the climate crisis and food security.
The foundation will, together with partners, host core activities, including fruit tree planting and garden clean-up in Mandela’s home province of Eastern Cape, while the inaugural Mandela Day Houghton Run will take place in Johannesburg’s Houghton Estate, following the same path Nelson Mandela used to walk daily.
Mandela, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 95, used the foundation as his post-presidential office, which provided the base for his charitable work. The foundation later switched into an organization focused on memory, dialogue and legacy work.  (Xinhua)