Vusi Radinne: Mandela Day will always matter. This year I plan to offer my skills in mentoring youth. There is always a need to impart knowledge to those who come after us. But I will also be looking for an opportunity to donate some essential items to those who need them most. The day is a call to action, a reminder that each of us has the power and responsibility to make a difference in our communities, no matter how small our efforts may seem.
Today is Mandela Day, a day celebrated every year on July 18, the birthday of Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and global icon for peace, reconciliation, and justice.
The day serves as a reminder that each of us carries the power and the responsibility to contribute to a better world.
Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for human rights. Today, all that’s asked of us is to give a little of our time to help others for just 67 minutes.
The African Reporter asked residents why Mandela Day still matters, and why it should still be observed. Here’s what they had to say:
Nompumelelo Makhubo: This day matters to all of us as South Africans. Nelson Mandela played a crucial role in building the Rainbow Nation we are proud to live in today. His birthday deserves to be celebrated in the way he would have wanted which is through service, generosity, sacrifice, and love. Mandela Day is significant because it reminds us to treat one another with kindness and to offer help where it is needed most.
Noluthando Kondile: Mandela Day not only celebrates a brave man who sacrificed his life for others, but it also teaches us about the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are.” It is a day that encourages us to give 67 minutes of our time to help others. These minutes are dedicated to values like compassion, community, dignity, respect, and mutual care.
I am a firm believer in social justice and equality. And I believe that it is one of the embodiments of Mandela. The day is rooted in the fight against poverty, racism, and inequality, reminding us to uphold fairness, dignity, and justice for all. It promotes kindness, empathy, and solidarity – the idea that we are all connected, and that our individual actions can uplift entire communities.
Zinhle Mncube: It is important for the youth to continue Mandela's legacy, because they can share the word of freedom to others and help them through 67 minutes. It also teaches the young ones about how Mandela fought for our freedom. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Kagiso Modupe: A small act of kindness I've done is giving a homeless person food, and to me this reflects Nelson Mandela's value of showing everyone respect and treating them equally. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Keabetswe Twala: Something that I've done for the community is that I've donated pads to girls, which showcases the value of providing girls the opportunity to go to school and not miss class because of their periods. This is an important thing to do. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Lindiwe Hlophe: Mandela Day for me means that he has done a lot for us that normally other people wouldn't do. He fought and showed us that no matter what colour you are, you can accomplish anything. How I choose to spend Mandela Day is to actually think about what he has done for us and really be proud and happy that I have opportunities to go to school and my mom can work.
Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
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