People in South Africa and around the world will devote 67 minutes of their time to helping others as a way to celebrate the birthday of the iconic Nelson Mandela on 18 July.
The Nelson Mandela International Day began in November 2009 when the UN General Assembly declared 18 July as ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’ in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and harmony. By devoting 67 minutes of their time, people can make a small gesture of solidarity with humanity and a step towards a global movement for good.
For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity as a human rights lawyer, a political prisoner, the first democratically elected president of South Africa and as an international peacemaker. Individuals and corporate companies are therefore encouraged to follow in his footsteps by putting only 67 minutes of their time to making this world a much better place.
“We need to restore and reaffirm the dignity of the people of Africa and the developing world. We need to place the eradication of poverty at the top of world priorities. We need to know with a fresh conviction that we all share a common humanity and that our diversity in the world is the strength for our future together.” – Nelson Mandela
DUT’s third year Accounting student, Siphamandla Gwala, said along with his friends they are inspired by the sacrifices made by Nelson Mandela for all of humanity. He said as a gesture to honour him they saw it a good idea to buy winter gloves and scarves to donate to kids in one of the crèches in their community.
“We know that Mandela had a soft spot for children and so what better way to honour him than to also do something, no matter how small, for the little ones. Kids have an amazing memory they will remember this for a long time,” said Gwala.
Leevi Matthew, Fine Art Btech student, said to him Nelson Mandela Day is not only a day to donate some of his time to do something good but it is also a day to reflect on the life of Nelson Mandela and all the sacrifices he made for the country. He said 67 minutes is not enough but everyone should commit to doing at least one for somebody else each day.
Third year Journalism student Mfundo Mthembu said on Mandela Day he is looking forward to covering various community initiatives that will be happening around Durban as he is currently undergoing his Work Integrated Learning. “At our publication, we had a meeting about what we are going to do for our 67 minutes. We haven’t decided on exactly what we will be doing but I know that we are also expected to come up with good stories happening on the day and really looking forward to it,” said Mthembu.
Bongani Gema/https://www.mandeladay.com/
