The Government of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing peace, national unity, reconciliation and inclusive development as it marked International Nelson Mandela Day 2026, emphasizing youth empowerment as a key pillar in the implementation of the country's Development Vision 2050.
Speaking during the commemoration held at the WEEDO Tanzania offices in Dar es Salaam, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Affairs, Mr. Charles Ngeleja Kadonya, said the values championed by the late Nelson Mandela continue to inspire Tanzania's efforts to build a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
Mr. Kadonya noted that Tanzania is preserving Mandela's legacy by investing in quality education, skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and the effective use of technology to equip young people with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He stressed that sustainable leadership is founded on dialogue, reconciliation, mutual respect and inclusivity. He further underscored that the implementation of Tanzania's Development Vision 2050 requires the active participation of young people, describing them as the driving force behind the country's future economic transformation, social progress and sustainable development.
The Ambassador of South Africa to Tanzania, H.E. Noluthando Mayende-Malepe, highlighted the enduring legacy of the late Nelson Mandela as a symbol of courage, humility, reconciliation and the pursuit of justice.
She said Mandela's life demonstrated the power of forgiveness, dialogue and unity in overcoming historical challenges and building societies founded on equality and dignity.
The Ambassador emphasized that Mandela Day serves as a reminder for individuals and institutions to transform his values into practical actions through community service, empowerment initiatives and efforts aimed at improving the lives of others.
She noted that the strong historical friendship and cooperation between Tanzania and South Africa continue to provide a foundation for advancing shared aspirations in peace, development, youth empowerment and social progress.
She further commended the collaboration between the Government of Tanzania, the United Nations, civil society organizations and development partners in promoting inclusive development, expanding opportunities for young people and advancing gender equality. She stressed that investing in the youth remains essential in building resilient societies and achieving sustainable development goals.
Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Ronald Tran Ba Huy, called on communities to commemorate Mandela Day by dedicating 67 minutes of service, symbolizing Nelson Mandela's 67 years of commitment to the struggle for human rights, equality and social justice.
He encouraged individuals, institutions and organizations to embrace volunteerism as a meaningful way of creating lasting positive change and strengthening community resilience.
Delivering closing remarks, WEEDO Tanzania Executive Director, Ms. Rehema Konzo, expressed appreciation to the Government of Tanzania, the Embassy of South Africa, the United Nations and all partners for supporting the commemoration.
She reaffirmed WEEDO Tanzania's commitment to empowering young people and women through leadership development, civic engagement and community-driven initiatives that contribute to the realization of Tanzania's Development Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The commemoration brought together government officials, diplomats, representatives of the United Nations, civil society organizations, development partners and youth representatives to reflect on Mandela's enduring legacy and explore practical ways of strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
International Nelson Mandela Day is observed annually on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of the late South African statesman and global human rights icon. The day encourages people around the world to dedicate 67 minutes to acts of volunteerism and community service as a tribute to Mandela's 67 years of public service and his lifelong commitment to justice, equality, peace and human dignity.
