South Africa Celebrates ‘Nelly M’ on Nelson Mandela Day, Honoring Late Icon’s Legacy

On July 18, 2025, South Africa celebrated Nelson Mandela Day, marking the 107th birthday of the late anti-apartheid icon, fondly called “Nelly M” online. Born in 1918, Mandela, who died in 2013 at 95, is honored globally on this international holiday. The trending #NellyM hashtag sparked tributes celebrating his legacy as South Africa’s first democratic president and a symbol of reconciliation. 

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Mandela Day urges people to dedicate 67 minutes to community service, reflecting Mandela’s 67 years of activism. President Ramaphosa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation led events, while netizens shared quotes and memes, emphasizing Mandela’s call for equality and unity in transforming the world.

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