“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” These are the words of Nelson Mandela, whose legacy continues to inspire hope, unity and nourishing dignity.
From inspiring young people and little children through a fun day, to entertaining locals with rythmic drums and serving warm meals to over 300 locals in need; the Overberg honoured Mandela Day with humility and kindness.
On Friday 17 July, the Hermanus Rainbow Trust hosted a day where over 260 children learnt the importance of Ubuntu. Supported by Bouchard Finlayson, the young people painted the walls of Eluncedweni centre in Zwelihle.
“Bouchard and Finlayson – a wine farm – sponsored the event by buying fruits, refreshments and provided a meal which comprised of samp and beans,” says Bathandile Siwendele, one of the faces of Eluncedweni centre. “Mandela is said to have loved food.”
Godfrey Matinka, from the Department of Social Development and Thozama Sivungu from the Department of Education were also in attendance. Some of the children’s parents were in attendance as well.
“My hope is that when we leave, we won’t simply look back at what we accomplished,” says Claire Reitz, who heads the people and culture department at Bouchard Finlayson. “We’ll remember the people and children we met. The conversations we shared.”
Volmoed Youth drummers
Meanwhile, in Hermanus, Volmoed Youth drummers entertained locals through music and song for 67 minutes. Locals were invited to join in the drumming session for R67. The monetary will go towards building a shelter for a young mother in Mount Pleasant.
Joined by the Zwelihle Youth Choir, the “completely unique event” played an important part in the progress of the shelter.
“After an incredible conversation with the manager of the Windsor Hotel, she offered to find carpets and furniture for the shelter and also pledged to tell tour groups about [the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Programme],” says Edwin Arrison, the director of the programme.
Greater Hermanus Reconstruction and Development (RDP) Forum and volunteers served warm soup and bread to around 300 people at the RDP Centre in Zwelihle.
The initiative, made possible through donations from the public, the Red Cross and Van Blommestein, the Forum will soon launch skills training programmes. This is according to Vicki Olwage of Greater Hermanus RDP forum. This will be a partnership with Volmoed and “will enable participants to gain future employment”.
Valid Dreamers Foundation and Miss Hermanus donated clothes to the Hermanus Night Shelter, embodying Ubuntu and kindness.
