International Mandela Day is celebrated on the 18 July every year to commemorate the birthday of Nelson Mandela. The day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2009 to mark the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for the justice, equality and human rights of all. To recognise this important event, the public are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their day helping others. This year, FABIans were asked to spend the time when they would attended the Institute’s regular Monday Morning Meeting to rather contribute in some community service.  Following this plan, a large group of FABIans formed groups to scout the perimeter of the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield campus and to collect litter. The group first gathered outside FABI and were provided with garbage bags and rubber gloves before setting off to their assigned areas between the various access gates so as to cover the entire perimeter of the campus in this ‘clean up’ initiative.  Another example of a Mandela Day activity was where FABI PhD candidate Vaylen Hlaka spent her 67 minutes at the Blessing Day Care Centre to volunteer and to donate second hand children's clothes to this centre for low income families located in Sunnyside in Pretoria.

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.” – Nelson Mandela.