NPO promotes effective ways to empower for good

As Mandela Day approaches on Friday, 18 July, a national clarion call has been made for South Africans to give back to their communities.

However, Zululand NPO Lungelo Youth Development (LYD) cautions that good intentions could cause more harm than good in their discussion ‘How to do Mandela Day effectively’.

This topic was discussed at AGS/AFM Lewende Waters in Meerensee on Monday.

Mandela Day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, to honour the legacy of former South African president Nelson Mandela through volunteering and community service.

Mary Mlambo from LYD reiterates the core values of Mandela Day as:

· Volunteerism and community service

· Social justice, unity and ubuntu

· Fighting poverty and promoting human dignity

“This initiative was to help lift others up, not create dependency,” said Mlambo.

“Please do not come with quick fixes without creating long-term benefits. Do not just give – engage with the community and understand their true needs.”

“Please do not dictate to us what to do and how to do it – this is about serving humanity, not self,” she said.

Mlambo also shared some of the benefits of giving back as a company:

· Volunteering as a team allows staff members to get to know each other better, and employees can enjoy the mutual feeling of contributing to something positive

· Appreciation given for time, energy and any other resources

· Employees have a sense of purpose

· With a registered PBO (public benefit organisation), you are eligible for tax deduction

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