The Nelson Mandela Foundation is a non-profit organisation and Nelson Mandela legacy institution founded in 1999 as Madiba’s post-presidential office. Our mandate is to mobilise his living legacy to contribute to the creation of just and equitable societies in South Africa and globally.
We are the custodians of his life and times but more importantly, we are active facilitators of his vision for peace, human rights, and democracy. Our work is rooted in memory, dialogue, research and advocacy - always aligned to Madiba’s lifelong commitment to freedom and dignity for all.
From preserving an extensive archive to convening dialogue on today’s most pressing issues, we use Madiba’s legacy as a living resource to inspire change, advance equity, and build inclusive platforms for justice.
Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s birth name, Rolihlahla, which colloquially means “troublemaker,” our new brand film celebrates bold action and the courage to make “good trouble.” Featuring today’s young and old changemakers alongside Madiba, it challenges us to confront the issues our world is faced with today and to make good trouble in the world.
Watch the full video and visit our YouTube channel to explore more stories, lectures, and reflections.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has made its vast archive of the works and writings of the late Nelson Mandela available online. It spans the life and times of Madiba, the struggle against Apartheid and the ushering in of the democratic era.
This site contains the archival descriptions, finding aids and many of our digitised items.
In 2009, when the United Nations General Assembly declared Nelson Mandela's 18 July birthday Nelson Mandela International Day, Madiba called on the people of the world to honour him each year by helping their communities. Each year, on what is generally known as simply Mandela Day, people renew their commitment to human rights in honour of the founding father of South Africa.
Goodwill Collection is inspired by the life and times of Nelson Mandela. It strives to celebrate an icon, his values and ideals. With this merchandise collection, we advocate for social justice. We encourage you to stand for something. We challenge you to take ownership of the conversation and dialogue around Madiba's legacy. We invite you to take action, to inspire change. To live the legacy.
The Threads of Solidarity exhibition traces how solidarity across continents helped shape South Africa’s journey to freedom and how those same values continue to guide EU–South Africa relations today. It highlights the ways European Union (EU) member states, EU institutions, civil-society organisations, and individuals supported South Africa’s struggle for liberation. Spanning more than 70 years, the exhibition shows how Europe’s post-war project built around peace, cooperation, and human rights became intertwined with the fight against racial segregation in South Africa.
The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series unites several sporting initiatives rooted in participation, mobilisation, and social impact. Each event forms part of a broader movement inspired by Madiba’s belief in the power of sport to bring people together across communities, generations, and borders. Click the logos below to learn more about each initiative.
Help us keep Madiba's legacy alive. We deeply appreciate donations of any value and all donations are acknowledged and celebrated through our Living the Legacy partner programme.
