Sudan marks Nelson Mandela Day

The United Nations and the South African Embassy in Khartoum yesterday celebrated the Nelson Mandela Day with the participation of a number of civil society organisations in Sudan.

The ceremony, which was organised at the headquarters of the National Federation of Disabled Persons, included a musical performance as well as a photo exhibition of Mandela’s life.

The UN Volunteers Programme Officer, Francesco Volpe, said: “The United Nations calls on the Sudanese community to volunteer in humanitarian work to bring about the desired change.”

He explained that hosting the event at the National Federation of Disabled Persons was an effort to highlight the life and struggles of Nelson Mandela who faced many difficulties and to inspire people to achieve their goals and aspirations in life.

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Meanwhile, South African Ambassador to Khartoum, SF Moloi, said that “communities need peace, sacrifice and hard work, without relying on governments to bring about change.”

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly dedicated 18 July to commemorate Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist, who served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, in recognition of his contribution to peace and freedom.