Chance to make Madiba selfie magic
MADIBA might have missed the age of selfies, but his likeness is expected to be a regular on social media over the next 67 days as it travels across Nelson Mandela Bay.
A life-sized bronze statue of former president Nelson Mandela, that used to stand inside City Hall, made an appearance at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium yesterday from where its tour of the metro will begin.
The launch of the metro’s Mandela Bay campaign, called “Our Madiba Our Bay”, saw city officials and community leaders brave the cold and windy pitch of the stadium, where mayor Athol Trollip explained the municipality’s plans for Mandela Day, stretching over the next 67 days.
“As a city named after Nelson Mandela, we carry a massive responsibility,” Trollip said.
“It takes a collaborative effort to run a city and each one of us, as citizens of this city, has a responsibility to change lives and make this metro great.”
He tasked each ward councillor to find heroes in the communities they serve, and thanked them for their efforts to improve their wards and the city.
Well-known humanitarian and founder of the Missionvale Care Centre, Sister Ethel Normoyle, was among these heroes, and thanked residents for supporting her efforts to bring change to the Missionvale area.
“It was Madiba who said we have the power to create a better world in our hands,” Norkey moyle said. “It takes as little as a smile, or just asking someone how they are doing, to make a change in their lives – and that is a very attainable goal.”
The members of the Imveli Cycling Academy were also present and founder Luxolo Badi said their initiative was based on two key factors Mandela promoted – sport and education.
“We draw inspiration from Madiba’s legacy and his belief that sport and education are to this country’s development.
“Our initiative aims to utilise those two key factors to the youth from this city’s disadvantaged areas.”
The Our Madiba Our Bay campaign will see the statue of Mandela being displayed at various venues to be announced soon.
Residents are encouraged to take a selfie with Madiba and post it on social media with the hashtags #Madibavalues, #Ourbayyoursay and #Ourbaylegacy.
These posts aim to find out what the metro means to its residents, what values residents associate with Madiba, and how the metro can live up to these values.
Trollip said the end result would be the publication of a book containing these comments and values, leaving behind a catalogue of Mandela’s legacy for future generations.
Deputy mayor Mongameli Bobani was the first to take out his cellphone, smiling from ear to ear as he took a selfie with Madiba.
“We encourage every citizen to become a part of this programme,” Trollip said.
“We all have a responsibility toward our city and its people, and we can start by taking part in this campaign.”