Madiba remembered with blanket portrait
"This project is one way that people can take action against poverty and start making a difference – being part of something much bigger than themselves."
The massive and latest tribute to former statesman Nelson Mandela was unveiled at the Zonderwater Correctional Services in Cullinan on Tuesday.
The thoughtful tribute was even termed the “largest portrait blanket in the world”.
“It’s going to cover more than 7 000 square metres – big enough to see from outer space,” 67 Blankets for Mandela spokespeople Bridget van Oerle and Sneziwe Dube said.
It was said that more than 4 000 blankets, stitched together to create the “biggest blanket”, were donated by people from far and wide.
ALSO READ: Massive blanket to honour Mandela
“School children across the land, church groups, old aged homes, the Johannesburg society for the blind, 67 Blankets members in corporations as well as prisoners all around South Africa have participated in the creation of blankets for this project over the past year.”
The unveiling formed part of Mandela’s centenary year celebrations and would also benefit the less fortunate.
“All blankets will be distributed to communities in need throughout South Africa with the help of Stuttaford Van Lines,” they said.
Carolyn Steyn, founder of the 67 Blankets organisation, said the project showed how Mandela’s legacy and ideals were being kept alive.
Steyn lauded the offenders involved in the project for their hard work.
Correctional services minister Michael Masutha said the partnership between the department and 67 Blankets had registered a number of accolades which, among others, included the world’s biggest blanket (2016, as certified by the Guinness World Records) unveiled at Drakenstein Correctional Services.
“Becoming history makers is turning to be habitual for inmates in South Africa as they are set to display the largest portrait blanket, themed the massive Mandela masterpiece.”
Yase Godlo, manager of Nelson Mandela day, said: “Mandela lived his life by three principles: free yourself, free others and serve every day. Now the baton of leadership has been handed over to us.”
ALSO READ: Madiba’s Top 10 Rules For Success
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