More than 1,000 people gathered at The Town Hall in New York on 15 July 2026 for the launch of the inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum, ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day.

As part of Mandela Month, the Nelson Mandela Foundation joined the launch of Coding 4 Africa, an initiative expanding access to coding and digital skills for young people across the continent. Building on Coding 4 Mandela, the programme uses accessible, play-based learning to develop learners’ critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills, regardless of their access to technology. The initiative reflects Madiba’s belief in the transformative power of education by equipping young people with the skills and confidence to shape their futures and contribute to a more inclusive digital society.

On 27TH of July 2026, the Nelson Mandela Foundation joined Her Power Her Voice at Phumula Gardens Secondary School for a Mandela Month commemoration focused on youth empowerment, service and leadership.

On Thursday, 30 July 2026, the Nelson Mandela Foundation joined Wits University’s annual Mandela Day activation. Students, staff and partners collected food and essentials to support the Wits Food Bank and students in need.

As part of Mandela Day, the Nelson Mandela Foundation joined Golf 4 a Cause, PLK Savages and Mphahlele & Masipa Attorneys at Leratong Educare Centre to support children and respond to the centre’s immediate needs. The initiative provided practical support, including heaters, blankets, mattresses and books, while the Foundation’s Making Reading Fun programme created an opportunity for children to engage with stories, play and learning. The day highlighted the importance of investing in Early Childhood Development and the power of collective action to create safer, more supportive environments for children.

The Mandela Day Walk & Run got underway on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at DP World Wanderers Stadium. President Cyril Ramaphosa started the race as thousands took part to honour Madiba and support the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

On Friday, 18 July 2026, volunteers joined us at Pimville Community Hall in Soweto to pack grocery hampers, hand out blankets and share warm meals with community members for Mandela Day.

As part of #MandelaDay2026, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Sanctuary Mandela hosted a special reading session with children from the Vincent Tshabalala Trust in Alexandra. 

On Friday, 18 July 2026, more than 100 cyclists set off from Soweto for the Mandela Day Ride. The ride ended at Giyani Primary School where new classrooms, a science lab, books and dignity packs were handed over to learners. 

As part of Mandela Week, members of the Nelson Mandela Foundation joined volunteers at St Columba's Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen, supporting a range of activities that brought practical care and dignity to members of the community.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation joined Vodacom's Festival of Giving, where employees volunteered their time through a range of community initiatives, demonstrating the power of collective action in creating meaningful change.

Members of the Nelson Mandela Foundation team joined hundreds of volunteers at DP World Wanderers Stadium to pack food parcels for vulnerable families, marking the start of Mandela Week through an act of collective service and compassion.