What’s on your mind: Locals weigh in on Mandela Day
Rekord visited Pretoria's Union Buildings to ask residents about Nelson Mandela's significance, the day's meaning, and how they feel his legacy is being preserved.
In the spirit of Mandela Day, which is celebrated on July 18, Rekord hit the heart of Pretoria at the Union Buildings to ask residents who Nelson Mandela is to them, what the day signifies and in their opinion, what part of his legacy is being kept alive.
Here is what they had to say:
Lesedi Serepe (27): Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela was our first black president. He fought against oppression and inequality. His legacy is definitely not kept. He did not fight for us to continue fighting for our basic needs like water and electricity. He fought for us to have free education, but we now struggle to enrol our kids into schools.
Thabisile Moya (37): I grew up in a very political home and my uncle was part of politics back in the day. He used to tell us stories of how they were forced to carry [a] dompas everywhere they go. Back then if you were found without a dompas you went straight to jail. Mandela fought against those things. He advocated human rights and social justice. His legacy is not kept. All the things he fought for are in ruins. Black people are still under oppression and living in poverty.
WHAT IS MANDELA DAY TO YOU?
Ashley Buys (18): Mandela Day to me is a day in which people can make a difference, no matter how small, in the fight against poverty, inequality, and social injustice. It’s a day to recognise the power of individual and collective action in creating a more just and equitable society.
Elmarie Koen (19): Mandela Day is a celebration of the power of freedom and the human spirit. It’s a day where we honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the struggle for equality and justice. We commemorate the day when we broke free from the chains of oppression and became empowered to think, speak, and act according to our values and beliefs. We celebrate the ability to make choices and live without fear, embracing our true selves and striving for a world where everyone can do the same. On Mandela Day, we recommit to upholding the values of empathy, compassion, and selflessness and to continuing the fight for a more just and equitable society for all.
HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE MANDELA DAY:
Leone Bruyn (18): I don’t celebrate Mandela Day anymore. I used to commemorate it when I was in school because it was a mandatory event. However, now that I’m older and out of school I’ve lost touch with the significance of the day. To be honest, I’ve forgotten about it over time partly because it’s not a public holiday like Heritage Day or other notable days. That’s why it hasn’t remained a priority for me.
Phindile Kunene (35): On Mandela Day I take 67 minutes out of my day to visit an old age home in my area. Along with my colleagues, we show our love and care for elderly people by bathing their legs. We also give them food, and blankets, and spend time with them. It’s our way of bringing joy and comfort to those who often feel forgotten.
Onkhopotse Ramasobana (25): This Mandela Day I’ll be at work, but we’re still making a difference. My colleagues and I have been instructed to wear overalls and are going to spend our 67 minutes at a local school where I teach. We’ll be painting classrooms and we’ll be providing food for the children ensuring they receive a nutritious meal.
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