Make a change this Mandela Day

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Brand South Africa has called on all South Africans to play their part and act against poverty and unite to make a change in society on International Mandela Day.

To honour the late Mandela’s epic struggle, setbacks, renewed hope and ultimate triumph - the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Mandela's birthday, 18 July, as Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009.

The day calls on individuals to donate 67 minutes to doing something for others, commemorating the 67 years that Mandela had been a part of the movement.

The day, which will be commemorated on Tuesday, is inspired by a call Mandela made for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices.

Brand SA and Deputy Minister of Communications, Tandi Mahambehlala, will commemorate the day at the New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand.

They will be accompanied by the SA Men’s Hockey Team - who are competing in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals currently underway in Johannesburg.

“The world remains beset by so much suffering, poverty and deprivation it is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all’ -- this famous call to action by former President Nelson Mandela is a continuation of legacy, which calls upon all South Africans of all races and creeds to unite and act against poverty,” said the Deputy Minister Mahambehlala.

Meanwhile, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in partnership with the Capricorn District and Polokwane Municipalities, Limpopo Provincial Government and Samsung Mobile SA will commemorate Mandela Day with stakeholders in Moletjie Thusong Service Centre, in Limpopo.

“The event seeks to inspire change through the launching of the E-waste Management project by Samsung at the Moletjie Thusong Service Centre, the project will provide e-waste skills to the youth of Moletjie,” said GCIS.

The event will further showcase value added projects such as gardening, sawing and handwork projects implemented at Bahlaloga gardening projects and Ikageng centre for the elderly.

The commemoration for the day will be held under the theme: “Take Action against Poverty and Gender-Based Violence, inspire change and make everyday a Mandela Day”. - SAnews.gov.za