Taking a closer look at Mandela Day

Future generations will know former President Nelson Mandela best through his legacy of Mandela Day initiatives, as South Africans continue to celebrate his extraordinary life by dedicating time to ‘doing good’ in honour of Madiba’s 67 years of public service.

Mandela Day, however, has been criticised as being a ‘once-off’ day of community work that does not have real, long-term impact.

But according to Monash South Africa’s head of community engagement, Bronwyn Dugtig, this should not be the case. “We should not underestimate the value of a short-term programme that leads to broader sustainable engagement,” Dugtig said.

Dugtig provides corporates and individuals with eight important considerations when planning a Mandela Day programme:

• Partner with an experienced, existing organisation. When planning a project, one should look to partner with an existing organisation. This can ensure that your impact and effort will last for more than just one day. Talk to a number of organisations to ascertain some of the areas they struggle with.

• Build a relationship of trust with the organisation. Develop a long-term relationship with the community organisation or non-governmental organisation so that you can partner with them on an ongoing basis and build a relationship of trust. A relationship of trust will assist your partner to be open with you about their needs; where they would like your help and where they don’t require help.

• Ask ‘how can we help?’ Don’t automatically assume you know the answers and can provide solutions. You need to listen closely to a community organisation to engage in a healthy partnership with them.

• Develop your programme together with your community partner. Develop the programme and activities for the day together, do not come up with your Mandela Day from the point of view of your office.

• Empower and create ownership in the process. It is very important to remember that you are there to assist the community partner and that the staff and the beneficiaries of the programme come first. Listening and collaborating create a sense of ownership and empowerment that will keep the momentum going after you return to your usual working day.

• Be aware of images used in social media. Be aware of pictures you use on social media, particularly pictures that make beneficiaries look vulnerable. When you post a picture, ask yourself the question: ‘Am I posting this picture because it makes me look good; or am I posting it because it makes the other people in the picture look good?’ Remember that you need permission from all people in a picture before you can use it to further your corporate image, be respectful of a person’s rights to privacy. You can very easily disempower someone by the images you post.

• Prepare and orientate your volunteers. Communicate clearly with your staff members as to where they are going and what you want them to achieve. Well-meaning volunteers can create false promises and insincere commitments. Develop guidelines with your community partner as to how your employees should conduct themselves on the day. If you have partnered with an organisation that works with children make sure you have all volunteers sign a child protection policy to understand their risks and responsibilities. You do not want to put children or your employees at risk because you overlooked this step.

• Have fun and enjoy the experience. Lastly, remember to have fun. If you follow the above guidelines you are well on your way to starting a great partnership and celebrating the life and legacy of President Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela lived an extraordinary life, giving 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. This legacy needs to be passed down for future generations and what better way to do that than to be active citizens.