Artist: Ansie Els
MANDELA DAY, 18 JULY 2023
Honoring the legacy of a giant whose remarkable life is celebrated globally in an outpouring of goodwill, kindness, and reconciliation
Today we remember Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (Madiba), South Africa’s greatest leader whose remarkable life has become a global inspiration. As the living embodiment of kindness, compassion, and integrity, he led by example and urged South Africans to follow his example and build a better South Africa for all. He understood that we are all connected, and to achieve unity by sharing ourselves with others and caring for those around us. We can only truly grow and progress if we are committed to the growth and progress of others. When we do well and are committed to the well-being of our communities, the ripple effect reaches the whole of humanity.
Nelson Mandela Day afford us all the opportunity to appreciate Nelson Mandela’s legacy of serving his nation selflessly for 67 years. We encourage you to take 67 minutes today – one minute for each year that he served South Africa and fought for human rights, to make a positive contribution to your community and to stand together with the international community to fight poverty and to promote peace, reconciliation, and cultural diversity. In the words of Madiba:“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.” No matter how small your contribution, Mandela Day is about changing the world for the better.
Every day a Mandela Day at the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA)
The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa is a non-profit company that is built on the voluntary annual subscriptions of its members, and of members who serve the organisation voluntarily and without pay throughout the year. We take this opportunity to appreciate our colleagues who selflessly follow his example, not only today, but throughout the year, tirelessly and without compensation giving of their time and expertise to advancing medical-specialist skills in the face of a shortage of specialists in South Africa.
The commitment of the CMSA Board, Senate, College Councils and our Examination Convenors, Moderators and Examiners is what makes the CMSA and enables us to examine thousands of medical doctors, who go on to provide South Africans with medical specialist and sub-specialist care and higher quality medical care after obtaining CMSA Diplomas. This collective spirit of ubuntu marks your contribution to change in our society and to the greater good. You mark the spirit of ubuntu and walk in the footsteps of a giant.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Nelson Mandela