Media Statement
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
For Immediate Release
Mzansi, let’s make Mandela Day count this July!
As South Africa commemorates International Mandela Day on 18 July and celebrates Mandela Month, the City of Johannesburg calls on all residents to honour the legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela through meaningful acts of service that strengthen and uplift our communities.
International Mandela Day reminds us that each of us has the power to make a positive difference. By dedicating our time, energy, and compassion to improving our surroundings, we contribute to building safer, healthier, and more resilient neighbourhoods.
This July, residents are encouraged to embrace the spirit of active citizenship by participating in initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and community pride. Simple actions can have a lasting impact on the quality of life in our communities.
The City encourages residents to:
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Organise or participate in neighbourhood clean-up campaigns to remove litter from streets, sidewalks, open spaces, and public areas.
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Adopt and care for local parks by taking part in park clean-up activities and helping to keep these recreational spaces safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.
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Plant indigenous or fruit trees in residential properties, schools, places of worship, and community facilities to increase the City's green canopy, improve air quality, and create healthier living environments.
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Establish food gardens at homes, schools, community centres, and other available spaces to improve household food security and encourage healthy living.
City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) will kick off commemorating International Mandela Day 2026 at Thokoza Park in Soweto on 15th July 2026 at 09h30 for 10h00 - a site of profound historical significance where former President Nelson Mandela planted a tree in 2008 and unveiled a commemorative plaque celebrating his iconic democratic journey. This site received a prestigious Blue Plaque from the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation in 2017, where Madiba planted the Champion Tree.
The Celtis Africana or White Stinkwood, stands tall and strong, symbolizing the fortitude and resilience, characteristic of Tata Madiba.
This year's commemoration will honour the enduring values of Nelson Mandela through community service, environmental stewardship, and reflections on the milestones that shaped South Africa's path to freedom and democracy.
Mandela's journey—from his birth in 1918, the adoption of the Freedom Charter in nearby Kliptown in 1955, his arrest in 1962, 27 years of imprisonment, and his election as South Africa's first democratically elected President in 1994—continues to inspire active citizenship, service, and nation-building.
The main International Mandela celebration is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at Lilly Street Park, Lilly Street, Drieziek in Orange Farm in Region G.
The revamped park will offer the community with a much-needed green outdoor space. Programme highlights will be communicated in due course.
Keeping Johannesburg clean and green is a shared responsibility. Illegal dumping, littering, and environmental neglect affect the health, safety, and dignity of our communities. Every resident has a role to play in protecting our environment and preserving public spaces for future generations.
The City believes that Mandela's legacy is best honoured through sustained action rather than a single day's activity. By caring for our neighbourhoods throughout Mandela Month and beyond, we demonstrate our commitment to the values of service, responsibility, unity, and respect for one another.
As we celebrate Mandela Month, let us be inspired by Madiba's enduring belief that collective action can transform society. Whether by planting a tree, cleaning a local park, establishing a food garden, or joining a community clean-up, every contribution matters.
Together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Johannesburg—one act of service at a time.
Ends
Issued on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Media enquiries can be directed to: Jenny Moodley, Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo: 082 803 0748, E: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com.
Noeleen Mattera, Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, 069 007 1982 / nmattera@jhbcityparks.com
