🎙 Address by Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov on the occasion of Mandela Day (July 18,2025)
💬 Dear friends,
On July 18, we celebrate #MandelaDay – a holiday officially declared by the United Nations to honor the legacy of the South African statesman and one of the most outstanding champions of human rights, Nelson Mandela.
The name Mandela is, without exaggeration, familiar to every person living in the former Soviet republics. For two decades, the slogan “Freedom for Mandela!” echoed through the media and peaceful demonstrations, while our country remained the only major power that consistently refused to engage with the criminal racist regime.
👉 The Soviet Union not only provided substantial financial support to the South African liberation movement but also assisted in training military personnel.
Nelson Mandela praised #RussiaSouthAfrica ties in the times of the struggle against apartheid:
"In a difficult time, Russia became a second home for many of us. Hundreds of young South Africans received an education here — an opportunity denied to them in their own country. Many of our cadres received military training that turned them into skilled fighters for freedom and justice. <...> For the help in liberating the entire South African nation from an inhumane system, we say from the bottom of our hearts: 'Spasibo bolshoe!'" [Thank you very much in Russian].
The friendship forged in those challenging times for South Africans continues to live on between our nations today — thanks in no small part to Nelson Mandela himself.
At the heart of Mandela Day, as established by the UN, lies a principle of action, not words – people are encouraged to perform acts of charity and help those in need. The Russian Embassy in South Africa fully embraces this spirit: as part of this commemorative occasion, Russian diplomats will provide assistance and support to three South African children social facilities.
🤝 I extend my warmest congratulations to all our South African friends on this special day and wish you well-being, prosperity, and strength in pursuing your ideals.
#MandelaDay2025
🎙 Comment by Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov to TASS (August 5, 2025)
❓Question: What charitable initiatives is the Russian Embassy in South Africa involved in?
💬Roman Ambarov: Russia has always been and remains a reliable friend of the Republic of South Africa—not only in the fields of political, economic, cultural, and educational cooperation, but also in providing humanitarian aid. In its work, the Russian Embassy in South Africa follows a principle supported by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin: “African solutions to African problems.”
We regularly take part in charitable initiatives organized by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation during #MandelaDay and #MandelaMonth. In July of this year, together with other foreign diplomatic missions, we supported a primary school in Gauteng Province that is in dire need of funding by donating chalkboards and food for the students.
I would like to emphasize that our charitable work is not limited to one-time actions. It is a year-round, systematic effort carried out by our Embassy staff. Two South African children’s institutions are under the care of the Russian diplomatic mission — the Bophelong Children’s Home in Mamelodi and the New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand. Our diplomats regularly visit the children, show genuine interest in their lives and challenges, and offer help whenever possible.
Our aim is not only to provide necessities but also to bring joy and positive emotions.
It has already become a tradition to invite children from these institutions to screenings of Russian films, organized by the Embassy in one of Pretoria’s theaters. Last year, together with the parish of the Russian Orthodox Church in Johannesburg, we hosted a screening of the popular animated film Masha and the Bear for the children of New Jerusalem. The joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they clapped and sang along with Masha was the greatest reward for us.
These events are usually accompanied by friendly tea parties with Russian pastries, as well as educational presentations about Russia, our culture, traditions, and holidays.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “There can be no greater gift than giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” We fully share this philosophy and try to embody it in our work.
#RussiaHelps
🕊 The Philosophy of Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a core concept in the cultures of southern Africa, including South Africa🇿🇦
Rooted in the Bantu languages, it is often translated as:
“I am because we are.”
Ubuntu is about humanity, compassion, mutual support, and the ability to forgive🤝
👐Nelson Mandela believed that everyone has the power to change the world — starting with respect for others:
💬 “Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question is: are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to be able to improve?”
— Nelson Mandela
🌍 On Mandela Day 🗓 July 18, supporters of the Ubuntu philosophy around the world dedicate 67 minutes to acts of kindness, honoring 67 years of Nelson Mandela’s service to society ❤️
#Ubuntu#NelsonMandela#SouthAfrica#Philosophy#Humanity#MandelaDay
🕊Nelson Mandela International Day, or Mandela Day, is celebrated every year on July 18, the birthday of South Africa’s legendary freedom fighter and first Black president. 🇿🇦
🗓 The United Nations officially declared the day in 2009, with the first Mandela Day held on July 18, 2010.
#MandelaDay#NelsonMandela#SouthAfrica#UN#HumanRights#Ubuntu#Freedom#Justice#Inspiration#MandelaLegacy