So another Mandela Day has come and gone, and again it was a day when countless numbers of community members of all shapes and sizes came together to make a difference in the lives of many less fortunate individuals.
For me, however, Mandela Day has a very different meaning, and I often celebrate it with some sadness.
Three years ago, my grandmother passed away on Mandela Day. I cannot really recall what I was doing on that specific day, but I do remember that she passed away alone in her hospital bed.
We, her family, were not there because family members are not allowed to be at a state hospital in the late evening hours. We were also not informed of her passing, which took place at about 11pm that day. We were informed the following afternoon. I am sure you can imagine how we must have felt at that stage – full of regret and heartache.
So, for the last couple of years Mandela Day has become a bitter pill for me to swallow.
I often feel that too much hype is pushed into this specific day. Everywhere you go, slogans about the day resonate, but the one that stands out most for me is “Make every day Mandela Day”.
Unfortunately I don’t agree with that, purely because of the sadness I associate with Mandela Day.
But perhaps if we forget about the Mandela Day ‘banner’ and just perform some plain and simple act of goodwill every day, then yes, every day can be a Mandela Day … why just celebrate it on one specific day of the year?
Do you feel the same? Do you agree with me, or not? I would love to know what your thoughts are on this. Email your comments to me at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za.
Until next week, take care, Krugersdorp.
