Charity initiatives honour Madiba’s legacy
THE message to give 67 minutes to others less fortunate in memory of Nelson Mandela is still reaching into the hearts of the country and the international community.
So said founder of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela initiative Carolyn Steyn as she received a generous donation of knitted blankets and sanitary towels from staff members of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
Steyn said even though it had been four years since the passing of the revered stalwart, people still wanted to do something in his honour more than ever.
“I just wanted 67 blankets, but that was not meant to be because this simple gesture has spoken to the hearts of millions of people around the globe.”
Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive Sello Hatang said the blankets knitted by the staff and many others around the country represented warmth and hope that the nation could fight the social ills plaguing the country.
“We’re together in this, we are wearing one blanket and should not lose focus of our goal of ensuring that South Africa is free from poverty.”
Hatang said they were hoping the 67-minutes brainchild would move away from being a one-day event, but a more sustainable pledge to fight societal ills.
Hatang said Mandela’s advice rang true of what needed to be done now more than ever: “You reach the top of the hill and think you have reached it just to take a break because I can’t rest for too long I must continue to walk.
“For when you rest for too long things start to fall apart.”
NLC board chair professor Alfred Nevhutanda commended the staff members for taking the initiative and using money from their own pockets rather than asking for anything from the trust.
“This represents what Mandela was, a man who dedicated 27 years of the prime of his life to win South Africa. It’s touching that even in his absence we are going the extra mile all in his name for others.”