Nelson Mandela Foundation

About the Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Foundation was established after Mr Nelson Mandela’s retirement on August 19, 1999 and leads the development of a living legacy that captures the vision and values of Mr Mandela’s life and work.

Through the creation of strategic networks and partnerships, the Nelson Mandela Foundation directs resources, knowledge and practice to add value and demonstrate new possibilities.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation embodies the spirit of reconciliation, ubuntu, and social justice. Our work is a celebration of Mr Mandela’s life.

 The Nelson Mandela Foundation, through the Centre of Memory and Dialogue, contributes to the making of a just society by promoting the values, vision and work of our Founder.

Nelson Mandela International Day is the embodiment of these efforts, with its emphasis on remembering the past, stimulating dialogue and encouraging people to act (Memory, Dialogue and Action) in order to promote social justice.

The Dialogue Programme promotes and facilitates dialogue around critical social issues within communities and focuses on building capacity at a grassroots level.

The Memory Programme offers an integrated information resource on the life and times of Nelson Mandela, giving members of the public, scholars and fellow memory institutions across the globe access to relevant information, primarily through the internet and mobile phones. The programme also prioritises advocacy work around access to information, dealing with the past, and related issues.