[Video] Celebrate Mandela Day
'It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all.' - Nelson Mandela
NELSON Mandela’s birthday is on Saturday, 18 July and people around the world will celebrate by acting on the idea that each person has the power to change their community.
In November 2009, the United Nations officially declared 18 July as ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’ to recognise Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity.
The celebration of Mandela Day aims to inspire people to ‘realise their individual power to make an imprint and help change the world around them for the better’, said the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
In honour of Mandela spending 67 years making the world a better place, this Saturday people are encouraged to spend at least 67 minutes giving back.
Highway Mail went to Pine Crest Centre in Pinetown and asked locals (and one international), what Mandela Day meant to them:
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“It’s about giving back and making a change in your community.” – Nomthandazo Blose, 22, of Nazareth near Pinetown.
“It means freedom, he’s the one who fought for our freedom and the reason why today I can have a white girlfriend. It’s awesome!” – Ndu Khumalo, 27, from Pinetown.
“It’s a day of giving, peace and celebration. It makes me feel like a humanitarian.” – Denise Ratheepaul, 44, from New Germany.
“The day is about giving back to the community and letting his legacy live on.”- Jessica Khanny, 21, from Pinetown.
“Service to others, whether it’s knitting a blanket or doing something in your church. It’s about honouring a great man” – Pamela McClure, 70, from Pinetown.
“Freedom, liberty and unity for all South Africans.” – Ryno Stander, 27, from Pinetown.
“Mandela Day means freedom.” – Mthetho Chonco, 39, from KwaDabeka.
“It’s a history lesson about what happened in 1994.” – Vuyani Gwiliza, 14, from Tshlimnyama.
“It means giving back to the community by doing good and remembering uTata Madiba.” – Sinenhlanhla Sibisi, 25, from Hammarsdale.
“It’s a good idea, it ties history together and it’s a great lesson for future generations to continue the work.” – Lonnie Myklebust, 47, from Norway.
Take action. Inspire change. And serve others.
Tell us how you’re going to do to commemorate the day:
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