Honouring Madiba’s legacy and love for kids

TO CELEBRATE what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday, Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) members Bridget Kahts and Eric Atmore have put together a collection of stories told by people who met the father of our nation as children.

Madiba and Children tells many stories through the eyes of several different people, including singer Danny K and former Face of Africa, Nombulelo Mazibuko. The book will be launched on July 18, Mandela Day, at the CECD.

In addition to stories from people who had met Madiba, the book also contains artworks from about 100 pupils from all over Cape Town.

According to Kahts, the book had taken about a year to finish.

“Madiba was a champion for children,” said Kahts. “Every year, we at the Centre for Early Childhood Development celebrate Mandela Day with children.

“This year, on what would have been Madiba’s 100th birthday, we wanted to do something big to honour Madiba’s legacy and his love for children.

“This is why we decided to develop our Madiba and Children book, to honour Madiba’s legacy in a lasting way.”

One of the stories in the book is that of Tassin Albertyn. She had met both Madiba and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, through her aunt who was working as his secretary at the time.

“Nelson Mandela was effortless in his thought process; he spoke with such purpose that even witnessing small talk between him and Michael Jackson seemed significant,” said Albertyn in her story.

According to Kahts, the book is an important read for everyone, regardless of age.

“Our Madiba and Children book is a coffee-table style book that is valuable for both adults and children. This book provides us as society with a lesson: children need to be seen and heard.

“Society needs to learn from Madiba’s legacy and take time to prioritise children and make them feel heard.

This can have a profound benefit on the development of young children, empowering them to reach their full potential.”

The CECD will be printing 1 000 copies of Madiba and Children and will be giving them away, free of charge.

If you would like to get your hands on a copy, simply contact them on cecd@ iafrica.com or 021 683 2420.