Madiba memory brings out the best in everyone
Nelson Mandela remains an icon for the ages; his legacy lives on in the good deeds done by those who honour his memory.
On Monday this week, on which would have been his 104th birthday, citizens throughout South Africa and beyond, inspired by his example, did acts of charity and kindness to honour his name.
When someone lives what they speak, they earn respect - and things happen for the better.
Madiba will quite simply never be forgotten, as the very mention of his name inspired people to emulate his generous, loving and forgiving nature through acts of goodwill.
His memory is a call to action, and the people of our region responded with passion.
The Zululand Observer is proud to have originated, in 2013, an initiative we called ‘Hang Out with Madiba’, inviting the public to bring clothing to our washing lines, for distribution to the poor.
Apart from the Covid hiatus, the event has grown over the years and we have built up wonderful partnerships with various community stakeholders.
One of these is the City of uMhlathuze, who this year excelled in terms of the support they gave to the event. Not only did the top officials grace the day with their presence, and share uplifting and encouraging support, they also encouraged municipal staff members to bring clothing and groceries for distribution through their own disaster management unit, as well as the ZO’s own charity arm Dice (Do I Care Enough?).
The city also provided the Richards Bay venue and assisted with the erection of wash lines, provision of collection bags, and more. The Richards Bay and Empangeni Rotarians are also founder partners in our Madiba Day event, bringing their special gifts and talents to the wash line and highlighting the occasion with the delivery of wheelchairs, giving mobility to many disabled citizens.
A number of schools, notably Grantleigh learners and St Catherine’s Interact pupils, gave hands-on help, while many companies like Netcare The Bay Hospital either brought clothes and food to the event or, like South32 and Richards Bay Saps, hosted their own clothes line. Kloppers Inc epitomised the essence of the day with a donation of hundreds of 'Jars of Hope'. Families and individuals arrived in droves, bringing with them good cheer and warm garments.
There were many others, who will be thanked personally for their participation, but the perfect irony is that the one who made it all happen is no longer with us.
But his spirit is, and we will continue to honour the name of our democracy’s first president and prime role model. It was heart-warming to see the bags of clothing steadily mounting up, but even better will be seeing the smiles of appreciation on the faces of the recipients when the clothing is distributed.
Thank you, to all who played a part in the success of the day. Thank you, Madiba, for continuing to inspire the nation.