In celebration of Nelson Mandela Day 2011, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) afforded a number of learners from various schools in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni Municipality, an opportunity to make their 67 minutes worthwhile on 16 July 2011.
Schools coordinated a well marshaled carnival set up by the Department of Sports from the Katlego Primary School, in which various cultural groups were represented. With much excitement and loud ululation, the carnival proceeded to the Intsikana Primary School in song, dance and celebratory chants of praise and adoration for the man they set out to celebrate on the day.
Other learners picked up papers and cleaned classrooms to prepare for the next school term. “It is a great pleasure and an honour to be here and I do not mind picking up papers for these 67 minutes,” said Coleman Masuku, one of the learners.
“The great man I am here to celebrate gave up so much more than 67 minutes and did more than just pick up papers,” he further said. Another learner, Busisiwe Sibisi, said her effort felt miniature in comparison to those of the former president's.
Members of the community also formed part of the celebrations and activities. They tidied up the grounds, watered the gardens, while others trimmed the vegetable garden and shined some classroom windows.
One of the gentlemen, Abel Matsoma, attested to feeling proud of his effort and happy to have been invited to make his contribution too. To him, it meant that a positive and worthwhile difference has been made to a South African school. One of the ladies, Aus' Dianah, felt that such activities should be taken upon more frequently and not just once a year: “I have also done my bit for SA, “ke motlotlo ka Tata, ke motlotlo lekanna hape” (I am proud of Tata Madiba, I am proud of myself as well)
Also present for the celebrations were the Member of the Mayoral Committee for roads, Phelisa Nkunjane from the Ekurhuleni Municipality, Executive Director of Sasria Insurance Company, Thokozile Mahlangu and the MEC for Education Barbara Creecy.
Source: Gauteng Department of Education
