A HANDFUL volunteers rolled up their sleeves on July 17 to spend their 67 minutes hounoring South Africa’s late first democratically elected president by giving back to their community.

The event is typically held on July 18, the birthday of Mandela. However, this year, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCE) held the event on July 17 to accommodate residents who will not be able to participate on July 18.

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Volunteers, many of whom regularly participate in SDCE activities, gathered at Mandela Stone in Wentworth before embarking on a clean-up campaign.

Media officer Mvuzo Ntombela said the teams were split into two, some did clean-up at the Mandela Stone near Wentworth Hospital while others held a clean-up at a park in Merebank.

“As SDCE, we have decided to spend our 67 minutes on a Friday because we realised that many people will be caught up in other community events on July 18. Our intention was to honor Madiba’s legacy by making a difference in our community,” said Ntombela.

Ntombela added that the day is a call to action for individuals, communities and organisations to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles, to take meaningful steps to make a positive impact in their own communities.

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