Metro calls for mass participation on Mandela Day
Do something to aid your community on Mandela Day, this Friday.
It’s the first time the world will recognise and participate in the 67 Minutes for Mandela Day without the father of South African democracy, Nelson Mandela.
“As the City of Ekurhuleni this gives us more reason to once again join hands with our communities to honour the life and legacy of Mandela, through an act of goodwill, on Friday, July 18 and beyond,” said Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro.
Ekurhuleni has identified a number of beneficiaries across Ekurhuleni and the metro has made available donation bins across its 20 Customer Care Centres (CCC) and 45 libraries, in a move to mobilise communities to join hands and make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
Donations may range from books, non-perishable food, powdered milk, sandwich spread, concentrated cold drinks and stationery, to painting material, toiletries, new face cloths, towels and blankets.
“These items will be donated to the homes which we have identified,” Gadebe said.
“We appeal sincerely to the conscience of our people to head to their nearest customer care areas and libraries to become part of the collective that seeks to put a smile on the faces of the vulnerable people in our society, and we believe that everyone has something to offer.”
This presents an opportunity for caregivers to inculcate the spirit of giving as an essential ingredient for social cohesion.
The United Nations officially declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day in November, 2009, recognising Mandela’s values and dedication to the service of humanity and acknowledging his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
