Children from the Nelson Mandela Fund embark on 5km walk
The hospital was a vision of Mandela to extend his ability to take care of children.
Jubilation and gratitude filled Johannesburg Zoo last weekend as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund 5km walk took place.
The CEO of Nelson Mandela Children Fund Stanley Maphosa said the walk was a annual tradition of the fund.
“We’re here today primarily to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the fund which was created in 1995 by Nelson Mandela. He created it for children, so that children could be treated differently by society; the mission statement is we are there to influence the way society treats its children and young people.”
Maphosa added the fund was also celebrating Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital which was a flagship programme of the fund.
“Today is also in line with the fifth anniversary of the children’s hospital which is one of the biggest achievements of the fund, in creating a hospital where children’s health will be addressed through specialised treatments and referrals. The walk was part of the celebration which meant we are walking the 5km journey on behalf of vulnerable children who could not be able to be with us.”
The CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Nonkululeko Boikhutso added Mandela Day was a reminder of Mandela’s good deeds.
“The hospital provides specialised healthcare for children, not only in Gauteng but in the Sadag region. The hospital was a vision of Mandela to extend his ability to take care of children.
“Children are not only contributing today because they are important members of society, but it’s building our country and society, so if you take care of children you’re investing in the future. The children who walked today, walked on behalf of children who couldn’t because of unfortunate circumstances.”
A volunteer of the foundation Buhle Dube said she was proud to be part of the walk and initiative.
“I chose to be here today to help and serve because I wanted to be part of something bigger than me and something that serves a purpose. I live in the United Kingdom and when I visit South Africa, I always have a strong urge to help the communities around me and today’s walk was the perfect opportunity.”
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