POLOKWANE – Mandela Day is celebrated annually on 18 July and is a day in which South Africans share the successes we have achieved and the lessons learned from Nelson Mandela.
Review asked Gr 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 learners at Bet-Shalom Christian School who Nelson Mandela is and why South Africans celebrates this day annually.
Kgothatso Mantjiu (Gr 5) – Nelson Mandela is my hero. He united the people of our country by standing up against racism and is the reason why we have freedom in South Africa. We celebrate him because he went to jail just for us to have a better future. If it was not for him teachers and learners of different races would not be together in the same school. We honour him by doing good things in our communities and helping those in need.
Lizzy Kennedy (Gr 4) – Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa. I think it is important for us to celebrate his birthday every year and honour him. He fought against apartheid and stood up for what he believed was right. He wanted all South Africans to be treated fairly and that’s why we celebrate him on 18 July.
Micaela De Gouveia (Gr 3) – My teachers and parents told me that Nelson Mandela is a president from a long time ago. Every year we celebrate him because he was a very special man and he was very kind. As a present to him on his birthday we can be kind, just like him and help everybody around us.
Tiara Mbhlati (Gr 3) – Nelson Mandela was the first black president of our country. We celebrate his birthday by supporting him and doing things that would make him happy, like helping other people. President Mandela showed us that we can all get along, on his birthday we should have a big party because he done so much for us.
Zaavan Molaoa (Gr 7) – Tata Madiba is like a father to me because he is the reason we are all treated equally and fairly, regardless of the colour of our skin or the texture of our hair. He ended apartheid and became the first black president of South Africa. He did many incredible things for our country so, in honour of him we celebrate Mandela Day by doing whatever we can to help the people around us.