Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi says it is upon everyone and the generations to come to defend Madiba’s legacy and to continue the struggle for socio-economic justice and equality.
“Mandela Day is a global call to action for people to contribute 67 minutes of their time to help other,” Nxesi said.
Addressing learners at Mamelodi High during his visit to the school as part of Mandela Day activities, Nxesi told pupils not to forget that in the 67 years and more that Madiba dedicated to public service, he never wavered in his commitment to fight for justice, freedom and dignity for all.
“It is very important that we remember and honour Nelson Mandela. Comrade Mandela was a politician who used his skills to mobilise and unite the people in the fight against apartheid,” Nxesi said.
Nxesi said Madiba was a revolutionary who took up arms to overthrow an unjust system.
“He was a peacemaker, but peace and reconciliation had to go hand in hand with justice and transformation.”
Nxesi told learners that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
“Regardless of your background, if you work hard, you will make it. Stop disrespecting your teachers and parents. If you do that, you are not going to make it.”
He told learners that all the struggle veterans took their studies seriously.
After addressing the learners, Nxesi donated 10 computers to the school.
He then urged learners and staff to look after the computers well, as they are tools to help them advance in their studies.
“Make Mandela proud and work hard in your studies. You can be another Mandela,” he said.
The Minister also spent time painting at the school as part of his 67 minutes.
In 2016, the Department of Public Works School Programme entered into a partnership with Mamelodi High School, in which the department said it would support the learners who consistently achieve good results in science and maths. There are currently four learners in Grade 12 on the programme.
The year 2018 marks the centenary of the birth of Madiba. South Africa, including the continent and the international community at large, is celebrating and honouring the struggle stalwart.
Government, in partnership with various stakeholders including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, continues to host various celebrations to mark the centenary of this great icon of the liberation struggle.
On Tuesday, former US President Barack Obama delivered the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg, where he called on the world -- with emphasis on the youth -- to keep the torch of Nelson Mandela’s legacy burning. – SAnews.gov.za
