The Nelson Mandela International Day Campaign 2014 was officially launched on Tuesday, with the aim of contributing to the global movement for good by effecting positive change within communities.

Celebrated across the globe in honor of the late Mandela's birthday on July 18, Mandela Day was formally recognized by the UN General Assembly in 2009.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy President Motlanthe said this year's Mandela Day was unique because Mandela, an anti-apartheid hero who was South Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999, had passed away last year.

"This is all the more reason we have to up the ante, ensuring that this day is imbued with durable meaning that reverberates across time and space," Motlanthe said.

Nelson Mandela Center of Memory Board of Trustees chairperson, Njabulo Ndebele, said this year's Mandela International Day was significant, especially as the country marks 20 years of freedom.

During the Mandela Day campaign, individuals, groups and corporates are encouraged to donate 67 minutes of their time on 18 July and everyday thereafter to give back to the society by supporting a charity or serving the community.