Mandela Day means different things to people

A group of people expressed their thoughts on what Mandela Day means to them.

July 18, 2019

Akhona Mchunu 2 minutes read

Mandela day means different things to different people. To some, it always Mandela Day because they always change the world to a better place. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”– Nelson Mandela.

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Thabiso M. Mohlabeng, (24) Media Student at Boston Media House, Pretoria “Mandela Day is the day we get to reflect on the importance of Ubuntu (humanity). We do so by helping our communities and friends who are incapable of helping themselves. It is also a time to reflect on things we can do better”, said Mohlabeng. He said as he is still a student, on Mandela day he usually fed 1 or 2 homeless people depending on his budget.

Thabiso Mohlabeng: “Mandela Day is a day whereby we get to reflect the importance of Ubuntu (humanity).”

Snothando Nene, (25) Criminology and forensics student at University of KwaZulu Natal “Mandela Day is a reminder that South Africa was blessed with an icon, a prince of peace, a fighter and a father of the nation. On Mandela Day, you have to take 67 minutes of your time and have Mandela’s spirit which is giving back to your community. The Mandela spirit is always in me. I go out to the nearest orphanage and help where I can on Mandela day,” Nene said.

Nonkosi Xaba, (19) Law student at the University of Pretoria

“Mandela Day to me means helping those who are in need and giving people a better life, as Nelson Mandela did for us in South Africa. A candle loses nothing by lighting another that is what I believe Mandela Day is about – lighting up those who are in need. On Mandela day us as the youth at my church we make donations like rice, canned food, juice, cooking oil, toilet paper, washing powder and many other things to families that are in need in our community,” said Xaba.

Boitumelo Babedi, (20) Cosmetology student at Tshwane School of Excellence, Pretoria

“Mandela Day as I know it simply means giving back to the world, anything that would make Tata proud like visiting an orphanage or an old age home and helping those who can’t help themselves. Giving back is not only supposed to be done on Mandela Day, every day is a day to give back to the ones who are in need,” said Babedi. She said, to her it’s always a Mandela Day because she gives back to the community whenever she can that just brings peace to her heart.