Yes We Can...
Fulfil Mandela’s dream of a better world
Obama says humanity has:
● no choice but to pursue justice, equality and universal freedom ● to look past race and embrace common good and that... ● the rich have to share with the poor
They may be too young to remember spending time with their great-grandfather Nelson Mandela, but Zazi, 8, and Ziwelene, 6, are passionate about keeping the icon’s memory alive.
The two siblings spoke to Sowetan yesterday about a book they authored together with their grandmother Zindzi, who is Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s second daughter.
Yesterday, Zazi, who is in Grade 2, said the book which is titled Grandpa Mandela was inspired by their curiosity about their great-grandfather who is loved by many across the world.
“We were asking questions about our great-grandad Mandela,” Zazi said. She said their parents Zondwa and Lindo Mandela encouraged them to ask their grandmother Zindzi for more information.
Zazi explained how great it was to learn about their greatgrandad’s history.
“We were really excited, because we didn’t know most of the stuff,” she said.
Zazi said part of the process of writing the book involved making video calls to their grandmother and interviewing her.
The book, which features colourful illustrations by Sean Qualls, is based on a series of questions asked by the children about Mandela’s life, the Struggle against apartheid, and justice.
In the book Ziwelene asks Zindzi: “Did grandad have to have his birthday in prison?”
Ziwelene believes the book will inspire children from all walks of life to learn from Mandela’s experiences and fight for a better world.
“They can learn to make a change to the world and make the world a better place. They can learn about the Struggle and how South Africa was in the past,” he said.
Ziwelene, who said he would like to write a similar book about his great-grandmother Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, is also passionate about preserving the environment.
“I think people must stop littering. They must stop using cars and start using bicycles,” he said.
Their mother Lindo said working on the book helped the kids to learn more about their family history.
She said the book marked the beginning of a much broader educational project which was close to Zindzi’s heart.
The children are expected to host book readings, starting today as part of the Madiba centenary celebrations.
Another book tour is set to take place in the UK.