Long live the spirit of Madiba

LONG live the spirit of Mandela, long live! This is the comment from one of our readers when asked why they think we should celebrate Mandela Day. Tomorrow, on what would have been Madiba’s 99th birthday, South Africans have been urged to focus their efforts on the fight against poverty, with the theme being #ActionAgainstPoverty.

What Mandela Day does is offer a unique opportunity for ordinary people to do something for others less fortunate. The focus the day provides, and the collective nature of the acts of kindness performed, is what counts.

Efforts of corporates, NGOs, churches and individuals, encouraged by the concept of giving 67 minutes, create a snowball effect, as one sees tens of thousands of food hampers distributed, school facilities improved, vegetable gardens planted, and parties with cake, games and gifts bringing pleasure to children for whom this is a rare treat.

Mandela Day is about the recipients, but it is also about experiencing the rewards of getting involved with others, in reaching out to those to whom we may not ordinarily give much thought.

No matter how small or big your plans, we encourage you to take time out from your normal schedule tomorrow to give thought to what Mandela meant as a true servant of the public, and play a part in showing compassion in a practical way.

Mandela Day 2017 draws attention to just one of the problems facing our society – that of poverty – and those with the means should be willing to assist in helping to meet the basic needs of others.

Obviously, lasting solutions will not be achieved in a day, but that shouldn’t stop us from starting to alleviate the situation now. Whether you are planning to pack food, collect clothing, make repairs to a school or host a party, do it with pride and pleasure in Mandela’s name.

Next year marks the centenary of Mandela’s birth and, as our reader said: Long live the spirit of Mandela, long live!