Build social cohesion in the selfless spirit of Mandela
MINISTER of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa will host a lecture on “South Africa of Mandela – Dream and Memorialisation of Our Heritage” as part of a series of lectures to commemorate the Freedom Charter tomorrow, July 17, at the Nelson Mandela Youth Heritage Centre in Qunu. The event is part of Nelson Mandela International Day activities that are held annually on July 18.
Celebrated under the theme “Take Action. Inspire Change. Make Every Day a Mandela Day”, the Nelson Mandela International Day aims to encourage people everywhere to give 67 minutes of their time to do good for others. This day symbolises Mandela’s 67 years of selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world in the course of his extraordinary life.
On February 12, during the State of the Nation Address, President Zuma pronounced 2015 as the year of the Freedom Charter. This year, Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated against the backdrop of Freedom Charter Commemoration, marking 60 years of its adoption in 1955 in Kliptown, Soweto by South Africans from all walks of life.
“There is an intuitive connection between former president Nelson Mandela’s dream and our efforts towards nation building and social cohesion. It is a significant achievement that within the same month, we celebrate the selflessness of Mandela and encourage active citizenry among all our people.
“While we draw inspiration from Mandela and government to take the lead in promoting social cohesion, we must all acknowledge that social cohesion must be driven by individuals working in organisations based in their communities.
“And these must include labour, private sector, NGOs, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities and academic institutions.
“Social cohesion is essentially about encouraging active citizenship where the people are seen to be agents of what they want to see happen in their society.
“Thus, we call upon all the people of our country to be active citizens who are inspired by the selfless example of Mandela to help bring about change that will take South Africa forward to bring a qualitative difference in the lives of our fellow citizens, especially the less fortunate,” said Mthethwa.
Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi will dedicate her 67 minutes at Silindokuhle Special School at Mangweni Village in Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, tomorrowat 10am.
The programme of the day will include, among others, donation of 35 braille writers, redoing of plumbing works; fixing and fitting new doors; fixing cupboards in the kitchen, dining room, hostels and the laundry; gardening and general cleaning; donation of blankets, duvets and duvet covers, sheets, morning slippers and pyjamas, microwaves; painting of the buildings, as well as time for everyone involved to enjoy a Mandela birthday cake.
The department, in partnership with uMngeni Municipality, will host a social cohesion dialogue on the importance of Nelson Mandela Day at Mandela Capture Site Museum in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal on July 18 at 11am.
Prior to the dialogue, 67 minutes of service will be dedicated to Inkanyisa day care centre that looks after children with special needs.
The programme of activities which will begin at 8.30am will include donating wheelchairs, walking aids, beds, physio balls, a jungle gym and toys, painting and artworks.
Government calls all sectors, the community and the world to contribute 67 minutes to help those in need. Take Action. Inspire Change. Make Every Day a Mandela Day.