NELSON Mandela Day is celebrated annually in not only South Africa, but the world.
Although every young South African is well aware of the former President’s legacy – the man even changed his profile picture on our currency, one has to question whether or not the youth actively participate in giving back to underprivileged communities on Mandela Day.
Or, is the day dominated by corporates painting school walls, planting trees and patting themselves on the back for doing their good deed for the year?
Anyway, I asked a few of my peers about their thoughts on Mandela Day.
Some were honest about not caring much about it and others were silly enough to think it’s a public holiday (you’re in for a surprise this Thursday) but luckily, I got some sensible answers from a few people, some of whom are friends and others are strangers I chatted to at a bar.
Siya: “He was a hero for the people of colour in this country.
He was definitely not perfect but it’s special to honour someone who dedicated his life to fighting for something that was bigger than him.”
Tadi: “I think it is a day that should be celebrated because the man did a lot for the nation. He was also an integral part in the formation of a new South Africa.
If he was still alive, he would most definitely still contribute to the less fortunate.”
Matthew: “Mandela Day is when you try do something for the community. Like for an hour. I usually help at the SA Guide Dogs on Mandela Day to raise funds for the organisation.”
Lwandile: “Full disclosure, Mandela Day means absolutely nothing to me, but it’s also an opportunity for people to give back. It’s unfortunate that it’s the one day in the year that people feel the need to give back and do their 67 minutes.
So Mandela Day is just an opportunity for citizens to feel good about themselves for giving, which is a problem because it’s something we should be doing everyday.”
(Email student@dbn.caxton.co.za)
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