July being Mandela Month got me thinking whether people understand the purpose of the month and July 18 (Madiba’s birthday).
You see companies or organisations taking this opportunity to promote and market themselves.
You see them putting their logos up for display on the day of visiting the charity and you end up questioning why they are there – for promotional purposes or for actually giving back?
I’m sure charities appreciate your donations but don’t kill the moment of doing good by over-publicising the company’s name.
I’m sure one banner is enough.
I can’t help but wonder how many people end the day with a lesson learnt.
I say this because the vision of uTata and what Mandela Month stands for has a deeper meaning than putting a temporary smile on one’s face during a once-off visit to a home and taking photos to say, “We donated.”
The day is about touching lives and making a change in someone’s life.
It is about touching the core need of that person.
Madiba’s values were raising awareness, fighting injustice, helping people in need and practising reconciliation.
It’s not about the money. It is about the lessons learnt at the end of the day and the impact one can make.
It’s about the friendships built and knowing there are doors to knock on in times of need – whether financial or otherwise.
Please understand – I’m not saying do not visit a charity to donate what you have taken out from your marketing budget. But do it out of love, and if there is a need to come back and do more, make that time without anyone watching or patting you on the back to say well done.
This Mandela Month give yourself time to listen to your heart and identify how you can change someone’s life for better.
The main thing we must remember is that we all have different needs. Some need finances, others might need human affection.
So make the time to understand a person’s needs as this will cost you nothing.
Reading a story for someone who cannot read can make them dream. Playing with a child can unlock their imagination to future possibilities.
Remember, showing love may be the only thing needed to give hope.
As we gear up for Mandela Day with our plans to visit charities, lets us remember why we are embarking on these random acts of kindness and do it in the spirit of Ubuntu.
#BeTheChange #MakeADifference #MandelaMonth
