South Africans Prepare for Mandela Day
South Africans from all backgrounds are getting ready to follow in the footsteps of the country’s biggest hero by dedicating at least 67 minutes of their day to doing good as part of the Nelson Mandela International Day celebrations on 18 July.
Mandela Day, which is commemorated annually on his birthday, was formally adopted by the United Nations in November 2009 and was first celebrated on 18 July 2010. The day serves to inspire individuals to make a change for the better.
“Everyone can help change the world,” the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory chief executive officer, Achmat Dangor, said at the launch of Nelson Mandela International Day 2012 in May.
“Each individual has the ability to make the world around him or her a better place. One small step, when you add them all together, can become a global movement for good,” he said.
Over 80 activities have already been registered for this year’s commemorations, ranging from building houses and schools to providing books, food and supplies to poorer communities.
There will also be international events taking place in countries such as New York, London, Iceland, Jamaica, Burkina Faso and Australia.
Creating a brighter future
The Department of Basic Education, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and Brand South Africa, launched the 94+ Schools Infrastructure Project in April.
The project aims to mobilise resources and support from various sectors of society to tackle the huge infrastructure backlog facing schools that serve South Africa’s poorer children.
The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory will also hold a colloquium on ‘Legacy and the State of the Archives in honour of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’ at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu in the Eastern Cape on 17 and 18 July.
The Mandela Day container libraries initiative is linked to the 94+ Schools Infrastructure Project, and serves to provide opportunities for
Category: Africa News
