Mbombela celebrates International Nelson Mandela Day

Mandela Day is a global call to action encouraging people to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of devoted leadership and activism. The day is observed on July 18 every year, while celebrations extend throughout the month. Monicca Mthembu and Emanuel Majola, Mpumalanga News intern reporters, interacted with some community members to find out what Mandela Day means to them.

Here is what they had to say:

Mpumelelo Nyalunga: Mandela Day means a lot to me because I can recognise the impact our former president had on our lives. He stood for social justice, and we have a responsibility as South Africans to show humanity on his day. This day serves as reminder of our values and the impact Madiba had.

Evidence Sambo: Mandela Day serves as a celebration of giving and helping those in need. There are many ways of celebrating it, such as going to a centre, school or any public institution to assist by cleaning, or donating food to those who need it the most. It’s all about doing good for people, even if you just make someone smile.

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Thapelo Sibiya: Mandela Day is day on which community members that are in need should be taken care of. The day is an opportunity to put a smile in someone’s face. If I was able to give to my community, I would make sure that all schoolchildren are given uniforms and when schools reopen they are warm and happy.

Linda Sibiya: In my community during Mandela, we usually clean the roads, orphanage centres and schools. We make donations to households that need help. Every person must feel important and remembered by those around them on Mandela Day.

Mahlatse Dlamini: Nelson Mandela fought for our freedom, I believe Mandela Day is all about freedom and what we do when we are free. Some people use this freedom to change the lives of others, while some abuse it. People must use the freedom to make a positive impact in a person’s life or to a community to make South Africa a better place.

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Nhlanhla Mbuli: I don’t know what this day means, but what I know is that I will be at a community facility, donating food and cleaning their yard. I will be doing all this to honour our late former president, Nelson Mandela, and his contributions to society.

Philani Letswele: This day to me means being free from poverty and celebrating the long legacy of our legend in promoting unity.

Siyabonga Ndlala: Mandela Day means teaching another person about the importance of giving back, social responsibility and community upliftment.

Khwezi Ground: Mandela Day to me, means being given a chance to make a positive impact on another person in a community, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility.

Precious Nkosi: Mandela Day means a day to unite against poverty and promote shared humanity. To me it also means giving back to the community.

Thandeka Siyenga: The day means honouring the 67 years of dedicated public service of Nelson Mandela.