Mandela Day: The Sport Platform Brings Unimaginable Reform–Race, Gender and Beyond

by Mohamed Ali

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” ~President Nelson Mandela

After nearly 30 years of a wrongful conviction in prison, President Nelson Mandela broke the physical shackles of apartheid in South Africa. But to break social and mental barriers — the racial tension between White and Black South Africans — he believed there was only one unique way to bring the people together: sport. Immediately after becoming South Africa’s first Black president in 1994, he seized the opportunity to unite the embattled racial nation by hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup — a sport historically virtually only played by White South Africans.

His relentless campaign and belief to bridge the racial divide through sport was risky. However, his audacity to believe would reveal one of the most iconic moments in sports history: South Africa won the 1995 Rugby Cup rallied by support from both White and Black South Africans.

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up. It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~President Nelson Mandela

President Mandela’s vision of the sport platform is one that he took global — eventually leading to the 2010 FIFA World Cup being hosted in South Africa — and passed down to future generations. Now his grandson Ndaba Mandela, founder of Africa Rising and the Mandela Institute for Humanity, is continuing this rich tradition and carrying the legacy forward. Taking lessons from his grandfather — President Mandela boldly and ambitiously created and championed policies to empower women — Ndaba is tackling gender and youth challenges with the Mandela Sports Festival.

In collaboration with Ndaba Mandela and the Mandela Institute for Humanity, on this UN International Nelson Mandela Day and beyond, let us all come together to use our powerful platforms such as sport to elevate gender justice, empower women and youth, and eradicate gender based violence.

Along with Mandela’s sports initiative in celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day and honor of his legacy every day, Islamic Relief is actively involved in efforts to combat gender violence, empower women and advocate for gender justice.

Here are some some of Islamic Relief’s gender projects and initiatives across the world: Bangladesh, Canada, Indonesia, Kenya, Kosovo, Mali (see also: here and here), Pakistan (see also: here), Palestine, Somalia, South Africa, and the United States (see also: here and here).

Your support is necessary to maintain and expand gender empowerment programs. You can do so by visiting irusa.org/gender-justice.