Mandela Day celebrated at Dar al Hanan

The Mandela Day was celebrated by the South African Embassy at Oman Cancer Association’s Dar al Hanan yesterday. July 18 has been designated as Mandela Day by the United Nations.

Children at Dar al Hanan cut the cake on the 100th birthday celebration of Nelson Mandela and received toys on behalf of the house raised by the South African expatriate community and the Embassy of South Africa in Oman.

The theme of the day was, ‘Make every day a Mandela Day.’

“We dedicate 67 minutes of our time in serving the others. Why 67 minutes? It is because Nelson Mandela toiled for 67 years for the fellow human beings not only in South Africa, but also the whole world,” said Manabile Silas Shogole, Ambassador of South Africa to Oman.

The ambassador said the celebration was delayed for everyone to take part after the summer holidays.

“Mandela always had a soft spot for children. Children are so crucial. So we identified Oman Cancer Association and its efforts in providing care for the children suffering from cancer. The intention is to link Oman Cancer Association with a likeminded NGO in South Africa so they will be able to work together and impact the whole world,” the ambassador added.

The South African Cancer Association, an NGO, has been identified by the embassy as the organisation to collaborate with the OCA.