As a tribute to the number of years Nelson Mandela spent in public service, annually on 18 July South Africans dedicate 67 minutes doing acts of kindness by giving back to their communities and making a difference to honour him.
Among those rolling up their sleeves for Mandela Day were businesses as well as officials from the Buffalo City Metro Municipality and the Amatola Water Board.
The Buffalo City Metro Municipality mobilised teams across various departments to engage in community upliftment projects, ranging from clean-up campaigns to visits to old-age homes and places for orphans.The Metro’s Executive Mayor, Councillor Princess Faku, together with Buffalo City Metro Municipality officials visited the Masizakhe Children’s Home. This vital community-based care centre empowers, protects and nurtures vulnerable children, especially orphans and those affected by poverty, abuse and neglect in Mdantsane, a region that has long struggled with socio-economic challenges.
Appreciating the gesture, the home’s manager, Luyanda Lusizi, said they are thankful to the municipality for choosing them to spend their 67 minutes with. “We all know this day is all about giving back to those less fortunate. We appreciate you for choosing us. In this home we are all about moulding little people so they can become better leaders in the future.” The kids sang and danced as they received goodie bags and winter warmers. The day ended with a symbolic planting of trees.
Mayor Faku commended the spirit of ubuntu and solidarity shown by those who participated. “I am truly proud of the dedication shown by our teams across the directorates. Your efforts reflect the values that Madiba stood for, which are service, compassion and unity. This is a city of hope, and that hope is kept alive by the actions of ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” she said.
Officials from the Amatola Water Board visited the Khayalethu Protective Work Project. This project is a skills development and empowerment initiative for youth living with severe intellectual impairments and autism in North End, East London. The team from the Amatola Water Board participated in cleaning and revitalising the school garden, a space that not only nurtures plants but also the minds and spirits of the learners.
The Board’s acting CEO, Lindokuhle Nzoyi, said this initiative emphasises the importance of collective action. She said, by reaching out and supporting those who may need a little extra help, we are carrying forward the ideals that Mandela stood for. “As we rolled up our sleeves to beautify this important space, we were reminded that every effort we make towards upliftment can change lives. Let us continue to work together, embodying the values of compassion and community that Tata Mandela championed.”
She said, honouring the legacy of Mandela by investing in our community and uplifting those in need is a chance to reflect, engage and take action because every little bit helps in building a brighter future.
“As we remember Tata Nelson Mandela, let us draw inspiration from his legacy of selflessness and commitment to equality. He dedicated his life to fighting for liberation and justice, and today we honour him by taking action,” she said.
The Board also donated chickens and feed, a contribution that will sustain the centre until the chickens are ready to be sold, providing not only immediate assistance but also a short- to medium-term solution for supporting the intellectually impaired learners.
The SPCA in East London was also among the organisations who benefited from Mandela Day. The SPCA was deeply moved by the generosity and kindness shown by both local businesses and members of the public. Brent Saunders, the organisation’s manager, told the Express that the support they received on the day made a meaningful impact on their shelter. He said that donations of food, blankets and items for their charity shop were made as well as help with garden work and general cleaning, bringing fresh energy and care to the animal shelter. “As a non-profit organisation, we rely heavily on the generosity of our community. Thanks to their support, we are better able to continue our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need.”
Saunders thanked everyone who went above and beyond, bringing with them not only compassion but many bags of pet food. “These donations play a critical role in alleviating the daily challenge of feeding the 40 to 70 animals we care for on a daily basis.”
The King William’s Town SPCA appealed to community members to honour Madiba’s legacy by giving back to those who cannot speak for themselves. The organisation hosted a Food and Blanket Drive where people could donate pet food (dry and tinned food for dogs and cats) and new or gently used blankets for their furry friends to help keep their tails wagging and their tummies full this winter.
