How you can spend your Mandela Day
WITH Mandela Day around the corner, several community groups and NPOs have planned their contribution to the global event, which came about to honour the life and legacy of global icon and former president of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, annually on July 18.
Also read: 15 ways to make a difference on Mandela Day
Mandela Day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, organisations and even businesses to take the time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles, and to bring about positive change and impact in their communities.
Often, Mandela Day programmes, events or initiatives go on for 67 minutes, to signify the 67 years the former president dedicated to public service and activism.
How you can spend Mandela Day:
Cleaning up the Amanzimtoti Sports Centre
In preparation for the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club's Cross Country League, Clean Surf Project (CSP) and Sapphire Coast Tourism will spend 67 minutes doing community work to ensure athletes enjoy a scenic, litter-free course.
Romy Wenzel of the CSP invited the community to join the clean-up drive to help make the surrounding area cleaner and greener.
It will take place from 09:00 until 11:00, and refuse bags will be supplied. Bring along gloves, shoes and water. For more information contact Romy Wenzel on 083 733 6468 or Warren Gibson on 082 713 0305.
Fun, games and painting
NPO Usizo-Lomndeni.org welcomes the community to its centre in Ezimangweni for its exciting Mandela Day upliftment project.
The projects for the day include:
Feeding little ones with 300 scrumptious peanut butter and jam sandwiches.
Engaging with the children in arts and crafts, reading and games.
The painting of the NPO's container offices.
Sponsors, including Anchor Yeast, Cedar Hill Church, Krupa Foundation and Friends of Usizo-Lomndeni, will participate and contribute, and the NPO hopes the surrounding community will come on board as well for a delightful Mandela Day.
It will commence at 09:00 and conclude at around 12:00.
Amanzimtoti SPCA – 'Walk the Dogs' volunteering
On Mandela Day, SPCA Amanzimtoti invites volunteers to spend 67 minutes walking and caring for rescue dogs. Anyone can also choose to donate R67 or 67 items of food.
Amanzimtoti SPCA said Nelson Mandela was known to be a champion of animal welfare and conservation, even serving as a patron for animal welfare organisations. He also had a strong connection with his dog, Gompo, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Furthermore, his compassion extended to wildlife, as he was instrumental in facilitating animal migration routes in Africa.
One can volunteer at SPCA Amanzimtoti all day in honour of Madiba's legacy.
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