Constitution Hill the site of the nation’s highest courts as well as the Old Fort Prison complex, where South African citizens such as Gandhi and Mandela were once held.

Photo by Lynnea Bylund, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 8, 2018.

July 18, 2024, marks a significant convergence of two monumental figures in the history of nonviolence. This date is internationally recognized as Mandela Day, a global celebration of the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa. Nelson Mandela, born on July 18, 1918, dedicated his life to bringing more peace into the world. It is also the anniversary of the day in 1914 when Mahatma Gandhi left South Africa for the last time, embarking on his final journey to India, where he would continue his work in leading the country to independence through nonviolent means.

Nelson Mandela: A Beacon of Hope and Reconciliation

Nelson Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, dedicated his life to the fight against apartheid and racial discrimination in South Africa. Imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela emerged as a symbol of resilience and forgiveness, leading South Africa towards reconciliation and democracy. His words and actions continue to inspire millions around the world to pursue equality.

Mandela once said, “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.” This ethos of building and nurturing peace resonates deeply with the principles of nonviolence championed by Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi’s South African Journey

Mahatma Gandhi’s time in South Africa was transformative, both for him and for the future of nonviolent movements worldwide. Arriving May 24, 1893, Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa, where he developed and refined his philosophy of Satyagraha—Truth-Force. His experiences of racial discrimination and injustice in South Africa galvanized his commitment to social and political reform.

Gandhi’s departure from South Africa on July 18, 1914, marked the end of an era and the beginning of another. Before leaving, he expressed his profound affection for the country, stating, “For me, South Africa has been a great teacher; it was the university in which I mastered the secret of success through truth and nonviolence.”

Photo by Lynnea Bylund, May 27, 2015, Durban, South Africa

The Intersection of Two Legacies

The legacies of Mandela and Gandhi intersect in their shared commitment to nonviolence. Both leaders understood the power of peaceful protest and the spiritual strength required to resist oppression without resorting to violence. Their lives remind us that true change is achieved through steadfast commitment to principles, even in the face of immense adversity.

On Mandela Day, we honor Nelson Mandela’s call to action: to dedicate 67 minutes of our time—one minute for every year of his public service—to community service and improving the world around us. This simple yet profound act of giving back aligns with Gandhi’s belief in the power of individual and collective action to bring about social change.

Continuing the Legacy: Love in Action

At the Ahimsa Peace Institute, we are inspired by the enduring legacies of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Their teachings guide our mission to promote nonviolence and compassion in all aspects of life. As we commemorate this special day, we reaffirm our commitment to these ideals through our ongoing dialogue and campaigns, such as the ‘Love In Action – I’m In’ campaign. This campaign embodies the spirit of both Mandela and Gandhi, encouraging individuals worldwide to take tangible steps towards creating a more peaceful society.

Let us celebrate Mandela Day and honor the memory of Mahatma Gandhi by dedicating ourselves to acts of kindness, be love-in-action, ahimsa-nonviolence. In doing so, we continue their legacy and contribute to a world where peace, harmony and oneness prevails.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the intertwined histories of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, we are reminded of the profound impact that one individual’s commitment to truth and nonviolence can have on the world. On this Mandela Day, let us draw inspiration from their extraordinary lives and strive to embody their principles in our own actions, fostering a global community rooted in compassion and peace.

Mandela’s Capture Site | Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA | Photo by Lynnea Bylund June 6, 2018