67 Minutes of making a difference for Madiba

TUESDAY July 18, was Nelson Mandela’s birthday and in 2009, Nelson Mandela Day was launched by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

In South Africa, we have 67 Minutes for Mandela, and the former president’s foundation has dedicated this year to taking action against poverty in a way that will bring about sustainable change. Poverty is the root of malnutrition, stunting, poor educational outcomes, the skills deficit, unemployment, disease, loss of dignity, even anger and violence.

Mandela spent his 67 years in public service making the world a better place and each one of us is asked to give one minute for each of the years he gave.

Many people say they would happily join in this initiative, but do not know what to do. On Google there is a list of 67 suggestions, many of which cost nothing in financial terms, and they range from donating a unit of blood to reading to folk at a home for the aged, looking after someone’s pet when they are away, clearing out cupboards and donating unwanted items to a worthy cause, to giving pet food to the SPCA.

The Rep plans to publish photos of some of the 67 Minutes activities in Komani. If you plan to do something, please call Sonja Raasch on (045) 839-4040 and we will try to send a photographer or take pictures yourself and e-mail them (with names) to sonjar@tisoblackstar.co.za or drop off prints at The Rep office, 24 Prince Alfred Street.

Mandela said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”