Residents to roll up sleeves for Mandela Day

TOMORROW is International Nelson Mandela Day and many city residents are ready to roll up their sleeves to make the world a better place in honour of the former president.

The United Nations declared July 18 International Nelson Mandela Day. Annually on this day, people across South Africa and other parts of the world devote 67 minutes doing charitable work and prompting global citizens to take action against poverty.

The 67 minutes signify the 67 years Madiba dedicated to the service of others.

Tomorrow, July 18, former president Nelson Mandela, who died on December 5, 2013 at the age of 95, would have turned 100.

Already various organisations across Kimberley and the province have planned activities for this day, which has also been declared a National Day of Service, which is an encouragement for all South Africans to go out in their numbers to follow in Mandela’s footsteps to make a difference by donating time towards humanitarian efforts and disadvantaged communities to inspire a positive change.

Among the activities planned in Kimberley is the Mandela Day 4km Fun Run/Walk, which takes place today at 5.15am at Tafel Lager Park.

The entry fee for the event is a donation of toiletries, sanitary towels, tinned food, tea, coffee, etc.

All donations will go to the Tamar Women’s Shelter.

All runners are welcome to participate and are asked to wear something purple or black to create awareness.

Further information on the race can be obtained from Ria on 083 381 9804 or Christel on 076 088 5014.

The Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison will be honouring Mandela’s legacy by reaching out to communities of the Namaqua District.

Various sporting activities will be held, aimed at uniting the youth and showcasing their talents. This was preceded by a 5km walk yesterday led by officials of the department, as a stand against all forms of abuse and trafficking, while today will see school visits and a community imbizo in Pofadder and Onseepkans.

Tomorrow’s event will be focused on Pofadder.

Various businesses have also encouraged their customers to get involved in programmes. Shoprite is hosting Africa’s Biggest Clean-up and over a five-day period 6 000 volunteers are expected to participate in over 500 clean-ups across Africa.

Much of the litter collected will be recycled to avoid adding to landfills.

In Kimberley, activities will take place at the Shoprite in Barkly Road from 10am to midday.