THROUGH ROSE-TINTED GLASSES: make sure your effort for Mandela makes an impact

Once again South Africans all over the world celebrated Mandela Day on Friday, sharing a bit of our time and love with others.

Once again the Bitter Betties will have plenty to say about the matter. “Mandela did not die for your sins, so you shouldn’t celebrate his life.” “Mandela was a terrorist.” “You should do something good for others every day of the year.”

I do not agree with these sentiments. I think every person on earth should embrace every possible opportunity to help others and brighten up this ugly old world of ours.

What I do think, is that – like with most things in life – people use Mandela Day as an opportunity to promote themselves or their businesses.

I think that, before you embark on any kind of charity work, ask yourself: will I still do this if there were no cameras or reporters to capture the moment?

If you happen to end up in the newspapers for doing a good deed, good for you. If you do a good deed to end up in the newspaper, shame on you.

Once you’ve sorted out your reasons for participating in Mandela Day and you decide to go ahead with your plans to spread a little happiness, ask yourself another question.

Where will my 67 minutes make the biggest impact?

Seriously, if you go to a well-to-do school and sweep the floors or mow the lawn for 67 minutes, you are only wasting your own time. They can and do pay people to do that!

Rather go to that crèche in the village outside of town. The one where the children have to play outside in the scorching sun.

You don’t have to do much to make a huge difference to these children’s lives.

Plant a tree, put up some shading, buy them some much needed supplies. The list is endless.

You don’t have to break the bank for Mandela Day, but maybe you should think about breaking your heart for the people around you.

In the meantime, continue to spread the joy.