Mvezo – The Mandela family on Saturday expressed gratitude to South Africans and people around the world who came out to support this year’s International Nelson Mandela Day by dedicating their time to worthy causes.
Speaking to SAnews in Mvezo, the Eastern Cape village, where the late Mandela was born, his grandson Mandla Mandela said while the family misses the former statesman every day, the Mandelas found comfort in knowing that his legacy continues to live on.
“On this Nelson Mandela International Day, our family is humbled by the outpouring support that people continue to show in the causes of my late grandfather. As a family we are grateful to all the people who continue to do good and honour his name and legacy,” Mandela said.
“We are calling on people of our nation and the world to continue to unite behind Madiba’s teachings. Our belief is that Mandela Day is not about doing something big or expensive, all it takes is for a person to participate in something that will help others. For us, in Mvezo, it has been a fun day spent on promoting education, something my grandfather dearly believed in,” Mandela said.
Earlier on Saturday, several cabinet ministers led by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, spent time in Mvezo taking part in activities aimed at improving education in the village.
Government officials and the ministers helped in reinforcing the existing parameter fence of the Makgatho Lewanika Mandela Primary School situated in Mvezo.
Computers, tablets as well as food vouchers were donated to the school and local community. Others participated in a cleaning campaign and the planting of 67 Umkhanyakude trees. President Jacob Zuma is scheduled to officially opened the school next week.
Mandela said the family will continue to support government and individuals in any worthy causes aimed at making the world a better place.
In 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
This week President Jacob Zuma, in a statement, called on South Africans to dedicate themselves to building a united and more caring society.
“Madiba, the founding father of our democracy, dedicated 67 years of his life to the struggle to create a better South Africa. He fought against discrimination and became a symbol of the struggle to end racism, sexism and all forms of human degradation,” he said.
Every South African has the opportunity to do their bit throughout the month of July, particularly on 18 July by doing something that would make a difference for a lifetime. – SAnews.gov.za
