Nelson Mandela's humanitarian projects

Nelson Mandela's influence on society didn't stop when he announced his retirement from politics in 2004 – his legacy and actions continue inspiring millions across the globe.

Nelson Mandela, a leader of leaders

Nelson Mandela not only inspires the masses. His words and actions give hope to many leaders around the world who are legends in their own right.

Nelson Mandela Voting Line

Nelson Mandela is featured in one of the most unusual and innovative heritage sculptures in South Africa - Voting Line, which stands on the Donkin Reserve in Port Elizabeth.

Top 10

Nelson Mandela Day contributions you can make

1. Spread the word
   

   Tell all your friends about the Nelson Mandela Day initiative - where the world is encouraged to spend 67 minutes doing humanitarian work in celebration of Madiba’s 93rd birthday. See...

   
2. Share the great man's legacy
   

   Learn all about the foundations and institutions that have been established in Nelson Mandela's name.

   
3. Make a donation
   

   Make an online donation to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and make a difference to the lives of many underprivileged children in South Africa.

   
4. Spontaneous acts of kindness
   

   Wherever you are in your world, see where there is need and make some kind of effort to help out – whether it's by giving a donation, joining a feeding scheme or helping out at an animal shelter....

   
5. Learn to be a responsible tourist
   

   Look at ways that you can be a responsible tourist - how can you limit your carbon footprint, benefit underprivileged communities and give to the country/destination you are visiting rather than just...

   
6. Buy a bangle
   

   Get involved in Nelson Mandela’s humanitarian projects, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. Make a donation, volunteer or buy...

   
7. Support Fair Trade in Tourism
   

   If you’re booking a holiday to South Africa, support Fair Trade in Tourism – which will ensure that you have a great holiday, and local communities will benefit as well.

   
8. Consider voluntourism
   

   Why not include voluntourism when booking yourself a holiday to South Africa and spend time assisting communities to build houses, helping out at feeding schemes, looking after orphans or creating...

   
9. Go on a township tour
   

   Get to know South Africa’s townships by going on a township tour – learn about life in the townships and support local community operators at the same time. Search this website for fun township...

   
10. Come and visit us
    

    Book a trip to South Africa as your next holiday destination. Just by being here you create jobs and empower the local economy – while having a great time exploring our wildlife, our culture &...

    

Top 10

Nelson Mandela attractions

1. Robben Island
   

   A trip to Robben Island and the Robben Island Museum will shed some light on Nelson Mandela's years in prison. Spend some time in his tiny cell and imbibe the atmosphere of this significant World...

   
2. The Mandela Museum, Mthatha
   

   Located in the Bhunga building in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, this part of the 3-location Mandela Museum traces Nelson Mandela's journey as told in his autobiography 'A Long Walk To Freedom'. NB:...

   
3. The Voting Line statue, Port Elizabeth
   

   The Voting Line metal statue at the Donkin Reserve in Port Elizabeth recalls South Africa's first democratic poll - with a triumphant figure of Nelson Mandela at its head.

   
4. The Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre, Qunu
   

   Visit the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre at Qunu and learn more about his youth and the missionary-run school that he attended.

   
5. Mandela House Museum, Soweto
   

   Situated at 8115 Vilakazi Street, the Mandela House Museum is where Nelson Mandela lived with his wife Winnie and their 2 children from the late 1940s onward.

   
6. Liliesleaf Heritage Site, Johannesburg
   

   Once known as Liliesleaf Farm, this heritage site in Sandton, Johannesburg is closely linked to the Rivonia Treason Trial that led to Nelson Mandela’s incarceration.

   
7. Constitution Hill, Johannesburg
   

   The once notorious 'Old Fort' prison housed many political prisoners - including Nelson Mandela, who was detained here during the 1956 Treason Trial.

   
8. The Nelson Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg
   

   This iconic Johannesburg bridge was completed in 2003 and is something of an architectural masterpiece that links the areas of Braamfontein and Newtown.

   
9. Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg
   

   The Nelson Mandela statue on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton is a favourite place for tourists to have photographs taken with a gigantic Madiba. There's another well-known Nelson Mandela statue in...

   
10. Alexandra Yard Precinct, Johannesburg
    

    Not many people are aware that Nelson Mandela first stayed in the township of Alexandra when he first came to Johannesburg from the Eastern Cape. Visit the one-room house on Stanley Road where Madiba...

    

View images

Nelson Mandela's famous smile.

The Mandela Day logo on SAA flights.

Nelson Mandela, inspiration to the nation

Mandela Museum: the icon's old house in Soweto.

The Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg, centre of Gauteng.

Watch video

Happy 93rd Birthday Nelson Mandela

Thandiwe January-McLean wishes Madiba a happy birthday

Follow in the Footsteps of Nelson Mandela

Visit the Freedom Struggle sites inspired by Mandela

Tribute to Nelson Mandela

A tribute to Nelson Mandela on his 93rd birthday