By More Matshediso
Pretoria – South Africans have been encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time this Mandela Month to clean their communities.
In his 2014 State of the Nation (SONA) message, President Jacob Zuma called on all South Africans to practice a healthier and cleaner way of living by taking care of their environment and cleaning up the areas where they live.
“The country can be beautified by getting together for a major clean-up of our cities, town, township, villages and schools,” said President Zuma at the time.
Acting Government of Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO Phumla Williams, on Monday, reiterated President Zuma’s message, urging South Africans to take action, inspire change and make every day a Mandela Day.
“The 2014 Mandela Month celebration is particularly symbolic as it is the first one since former President Nelson Mandela’s passing.
“South Africans must uphold his legacy of ensuring that all humans are provided equal opportunities to a better life,” said Williams.
Williams added that the country’s citizens should go out in numbers to participate in activities that will improve schools, charity homes and other non-profitable organisations.
“Let us take action in helping to make a difference, and in doing so build a global movement for good. No matter how small the action, the aim is to change the world for the better, just as Madiba did. Together we move South Africa forward,” said Williams.
Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day celebrated on 18 July (on Mandela's birthday). The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010.
Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honour the legacy of Mandela, and his values, through volunteering and community service.
Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. – SAnews.gov.za
