Happy
Nelson Mandela
Day
What is Mandela Day?
Mandela Day is a call to action for individuals – for people everywhere – to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place, one small step at a time, just as Mr Mandela did for more than 67 years. Start by devoting 67 minutes to community service on Mandela Day, on July 18 each year, and then make every day your Mandela Day by doing some good for others.
As we enter the month of July, Nelson Mandela’s birth month and the month that brings us Mandela Day, each one of us will begin to reflect on how we are going to do our little bit in service of others.
As we prepare for our chance to give back in honour of the decades Mr Mandela spent in sacrifice so that we could live in a better world, we think of his words that it is in our hands to make a difference.
Our hands can change the world for the better. We have the power to make a difference. This is one of the most poignant messages from this great South African who looks not to celebrity and glamour but to ordinary people and their role in the world.
He could have been talking to all of us when he said this to hospital workers on 16 April 1998:
“Whether you change the linen or stitch up wounds, cook the food or dispense the medicines, it is in your hands to help build a public service worthy of all those who gave their lives for the dream of democracy.”
When we plan for Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July this year let us not just think about our beloved Madiba turning 94 or just giving thanks that he is still with us. Rather let’s do him proud that we understand that to truly honour his legacy we should give back to our communities.
Let us keep this high in our minds as we show him and them that we are no less dedicated to the renewal of our societies.
This year 2012 is shaping up to be the biggest Mandela Day month yet, with scores of companies, government departments and other entities gearing up to play their part. So far more than 80 activities have been registered in the Mandela Day website.
Remember to devote 67mins ( not that much really, considering Nelson devoted his life!!!) to community service.
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