Nelson Mandela Day - Saturday, 18 July 2009

July 18 marks Mandela's 91st birthday and the 67 minutes reflects 67 years of uninterrupted and selfless service in the course of his extraordinary life, to the people of South Africa and the world. Celebrations marking Nelson Mandela Day will be held in various capitals of the world.

9am in Newtown

Under the theme Working together for the common good of our nation, the national celebrations in South Africa will take place on 18 July 2009 at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg. The programme will include speeches, music, and dance. The event will kick-start with cultural performances at 9am.

President Jacob Zuma said in his Nation Address: “Let us wholeheartedly support Mandela Day and encourage the world to join us in this wonderful campaign.

“Mandela Day will be a celebration of Mandela's life, values and principles and a global call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them,” President Zuma added.

Some of the artists who have been confirmed for the performance at Mary Fitzgerald Square for the celebrations are: Taliphani (Venda Dance),T.K Dancers ( Tsonga Dance), Sechaba, Winnie Khumalo ,RJ Benjamin, Chommie, Arthur, Nhlanhla Nciza, Zamajobe, Kwela Tebza, Jonas Gwagwa, Kunle Ayo (Nigeria), DJ Sbu, Stoan Seate, Florence Masebe, Meshack Mavuso.