Unaiza Suliman Urges South Africa’s Youth to Turn Mandela Day into a Daily Practice of Impact
As the nation commemorates Mandela Day today, entrepreneur and rising youth voice Unaiza Suliman is calling on young South Africans to move beyond once-off acts of service and embrace a sustained culture of impact.
Observed annually in honour of Nelson Mandela, Mandela Day has become a global symbol of service since its formal recognition by the United Nations in 2009. At its core is a simple yet powerful concept: dedicating 67 minutes to helping others, reflecting the 67 years Mandela devoted to advancing human rights, equality, and justice. But for Suliman, today is not just about participation, it’s about transformation. “Mandela Day is a reminder, not a checkbox,” Suliman says. “The real question is what happens after today. Do we go back to our routines, or do we carry this spirit forward?” She believes the next generation has the power to redefine what service looks like by integrating it into their everyday lives rather than limiting it to annual observance.
From volunteering in local communities to using social media platforms to educate and inspire, Suliman encourages youth to view impact as a daily responsibility rather than a seasonal act. In a time where influence is often measured by visibility, Suliman is advocating for a deeper, values-driven approach to leadership. “Leadership is no longer about position, it’s about purpose,” she explains. “Madiba didn’t wait for permission to lead. He acted, he served, and he stood firm in his values.” She calls on young people to take ownership of the challenges facing South Africa today from inequality and unemployment to education gaps by becoming active participants in solutions.
Suliman also highlights the importance of aligning personal success with social impact. According to her, the future belongs to individuals who can build businesses, brands, and careers that contribute meaningfully to society. “You can build wealth and still build people,” she says. “In fact, the most powerful brands today are those rooted in purpose.”
She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to ask themselves not only what they want to achieve but who they want to uplift along the way. As South Africans across the country dedicate their 67 minutes today, Suliman’s message is clear: this is just the beginning. “Mandela’s legacy was never about a single day, it was about a lifetime of service,” she says. “If we truly want to honour that, we have to live it, consistently, intentionally, and courageously.” On this Mandela Day, Unaiza Suliman positions herself as a voice for a new era of leadership, one where South Africa’s youth are not only inspired by the past, but actively shaping the future through action.
