As part of the centenary celebration of Former President Nelson Mandela who would have turned 100 years on 18 July 2018 had he still lived, the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) will celebrate this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day in Clarens, Free State. Led by the Premier of the Free State, Sefora, Sisi Ntombela, all FSPG Departments will bring various government services closer to the people of Clarens and surrounding areas. This year, the Province will mark the centenary of the life of our nation’s founding father Nelson Mandela under the sub-theme:” A Life of Service -Celebrating the Birth of a World Icon.”
Speaking about the significance of this centenary, Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Me Mathabo Leeto stated, “This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day is special in that the year 2018 marks the centenary of this struggle stalwart. Nelson Mandela would have turned 100 years on 18 July 2018 had he still lived. The centenary aims to promote Madiba’s ethos of Ubuntu by advancing our collective unity, irrespective of race, creed, and orientation. We have to dedicate our lives to the service of our nation and towards creating a better life for all.”
The centenary is a major milestone in the incredible story of Nelson Mandela and our nation’s journey.
The celebrations will take place as follows:
Date: 18 July 2018
Time: 07:00– 17:00
Venue: Clarens
The line-up of activities for the day is as follows:
1. Nelson Mandela Centenary Aerobics, Big Walk, Football, Netball and Volleyball, 08:00 – 09:30 AM at Kgubetswana Stadium – Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
2. Political Briefing and Breakfast, 10:30 – 11:00 AM at Marty Loz Hall – Office of the Premier
3. Visit to Tshepong Drop in Centre, 11:15 – 11:30 AM – Department of Social Development and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
4. Launch of the Mandela Essay Book, Launch of the Mandela Schools Netball and Volleyball League, Handover of Educational Toys, Book Reading and Storytelling Project, 11:40 AM – 12:10 PM at Clarens Primary School - Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Department of Education.
5. Handover of Sport Attire and Tittle Deeds, 11:40 AM – 12:10 PM at Clarens Combined School - Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Department of Human Settlements.
6. Moment of Silence in Remembrance of Nelson Mandela, 12:00 PM (All activities to be paused).
7. Visit to Ratanang Luncheon Club, 12:20 – 12:50 PM – Department of Social Development and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
8. Visit to Ithuseng Disabled Centre, 12:55 – 13:20 PM – Department of Health and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
9. Visit to House Number 427 and 437, Kgubetswana, 13:25 – 13:35 PM – Human Settlements.
10. Visit to Moriting wa Thuto Secondary School, 13:45 – 14:10 PM - Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Social Development and Department of Education.
11. Launch of the Container Park, 14:15 – 14:45 PM - Office of the Premier and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
12. Visit to Reabetswe Day Care Centre, 14:50 – 15:00 PM – Department of Treasury.
13. Visit to Safe Park, 15:05 – 15:30 PM – Department of Social Development.
14. Opening of the Beyers Naude Halfway House for Substance Dependency, 15:45 – 17:00 PM – Department of Social Development.
“To celebrate Madiba‟s life, we need to stay true to his ideals, including his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and a non-racial South Africa. All South Africans have a responsibility to promote freedom and defend our democracy in honour of Madiba‟s life-long commitment to these ideals.” said the Premier Ntombela.
Transport for members of the media will be departing from O.R Tambo House in Mangaung at 05:00 AM on 18 July 2018. Bookings arrangements can be made with Me Pulane Tsupane at pulane.tsupane@fspremier.gov.za or Me Annaret Wallace at annaret@sacr.fs.gov.za.
Your media house is invited to attend this event.
Enquiries:
Tankiso Zola
Tel: 051 410 4735/4786/4742
Cell: 082 940 2392
E-mail: tankiso@sacr.fs.gov.za
