Pretoria - Today marks the late former president Nelson Mandela's birthday.
Madiba, the first president of the democratic South Africa in 1994, who spent 67 years of his life making a difference, would have turned 98 today.
In recognition of Nelson Mandela’s contributions to democracy, racial justice and reconciliation, and his service to humanity, the United Nations has declared Madiba's birthday on 18 July as International Mandela Day.
The special day calls for all people to devote 67 minutes of their time to help the needy, poor and vulnerable citizens of the world.
President Jacob Zuma has called on South Africans to make a meaningful and fulfilling contribution this International Mandela Day.
"As we remember our beloved Madiba, South Africans will take to the streets and engage in all kinds of meaningful and constructive community work. We wish all our people well as they follow in Tata's footsteps in this manner,” said President Zuma on Sunday.
Whether caring for the sick, orphans and vulnerable children, the aged, cleaning the environment and surroundings, cleaning the schools, President Zuma said all activities contribute to promoting national unity and cohesion in the country.
“We congratulate all who will participate in various programmes, and urge all South Africans to make time and find something meaningful to do, in memory of Madiba,” said President Zuma.
Cabinet ministers, cooperates and individuals have announced the various activities they will undertake to mark the day today.
Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu will be in Soweto to spend her 67 minutes doing a clean-up campaign in Soweto and visiting the Mzimhlophe Women’s Hostel. Minister Sisulu will be joined by Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Paul Mashatile and City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Parks Tau.
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson will commemorate the day by engaging in activities to enhance the facilities at Tlhaping Early Learning Centre in Ganyesa, in the North West.
She will also interact with the community of Ganyesa during an Imbizo on issues of service delivery, with a focus on the electrification programme implemented by the department.
Her deputy Thembisile Majola, will do her community service at Sizwile School for the Deaf in Dobsonville, Soweto.
State Owned Entities and Energy Sector companies have partnered to clean, repaint, plant vegetable seeds, and refurbish the gardens of the school.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pamela Tshwete, together with the Mhlathuze Water Board and officials, will participate in a Clear Rivers campaign event at Eskhawini, KwaZulu-Natal.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele will be joined by Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina in honouring of Struggle Veteran Mama Adelaide Tambo at a wreath laying ceremony. Mama Adelaide Tambo shares a birthday will Madiba.
The mayor will also spend a large part of the day handing over houses to the vulnerable and senior citizens.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela will lead her team’s commemoration of Mandela Day by giving their time for humanity at the uThando Afrika Tikkun centre, in Johannesburg.
The centre is a national Non-Government Organisation (NGO) that focuses on development programmes to assist children from disadvantaged background. – SAnews.gov.za
