Follow in his loving footsteps

EVERY day of the 16 years she worked for Tata Nelson Mandela, his personal assistant Zelda la Grange would marvel at how he would wake up each day determined to reach out and touch somebody’s life. This week, as she tells us today, she is continuing to honour the memory of the greatest South African by embarking on an epic ride on her motorcyle as part of the “Bikers for Mandela Day” initiative. This year, they will tour part of the country to raise awareness for Blow The Whistle, an organisation against rape and the abuse of women.

All of us are being asked to donate just 67 minutes of our time next Saturday, on Mandela Day, to helping others in our community… exactly as Tata did.

Look at the example of young hospital intern Dr Caris Price. Last year, inspired by Mandela Day, she came up with the idea of selling medical scrubs (worn by medical personnel) emblazoned with “46664 NMD (Nelson Mandela Day). This year, she aims to raise R15 000, which will go to the paediatrics department at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

That is what Nelson Mandela Day is all about: helping people, improving lives. And despite ongoing cynicism and depression about aspects of our national life, lives are being improved around us.

We report today on an innovative programme launched by the Tourism Enterprise Partnership to give small businesses the opportunity to break into the supply chain for the hospitality business.

Two of those businesswomen we feature today are now on the list of suppliers to the Maslow Hotel in Sandton. A door has been opened for them, their lives have been touched and changed. It may not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things… but we know Tata would approve.