The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr 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 on Friday, 17 July 2015 at the Nelson Mandela Youth Heritage Centre in Qunu. The event is part of Nelson Mandela International Day activities that are held annually on 18 July.
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 symbolise Mandela’s 67 years of selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world in the course of his extraordinary life.
On the 12 February 2015 during the State of the Nation Address, President Zuma pronounced 2015 as the Year of the Freedom Charter. This year, Nelson Mandela International day is celebrated against the backdrop of Freedom Charter Commemoration, marking 60 years of its adoption in 1955 in Kliptown, Soweto by South African from all walks of life.
“There is an intuitive connection between former president Nelson Mandela’s dream and our national effort towards national 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 takes 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 citizens of our country to be active citizens that 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.
The Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi will donate her 67 minutes at Silindokuhle Special School at Mangweni Village in Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga on 17 July 2015 at 10:00. The programme of the day will include amongst others donating of 35xbraille writers, re-doing of plumbing works; fixing and fitting new doors; fixing cupboards in the kitchen, dining room, hostels and the laundry; gardening and general cleaning; donating of blankets; duvets and duvet covers; sheets; morning sleepers and pyjamas; microwaves x4; painting of the buildings, as well as Mandela birthday-Cake.
The Department of Arts and Culture 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 18 July 2015 at 11:00. Prior to the dialogue, 67 minutes will be donated to Inkanyisa day care centre that looks after children with special needs. The programme of activities which will begin at 08:30 will include amongst others donating wheel chairs, 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”.
Enquiries:
Sandile Memela
Cell: 082 800 3750
