North West Premier, Mme Thandi Modise has urged all South Africans to make a positive and meaningful difference in their own communities during Mandela Month.
Addressing media on behalf of the Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile at the national media launch of the Nelson Mandela month programme on Tuesday, Premier Modise said South African should once again this year unite in celebrating the legacy of selfless service one of the living world icon, former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
“Let me take this opportunity to urge all government department, municipalities, private sector and everyone in our communities to initiate activities that are aimed at achieving the objectives of Nelson Mandela Day throughout the country.
“Let us all individually and collectively strive to become agents for building a better and caring society,” urged Premier Modise.
Like previous years, Individuals and organisations around the world will spend at least 67 minutes doing good work in their own communities in honour of the 67 years Nelson Mandela gave in service and sacrifice. This year Madiba celebrates his 94 birthday.
The day marks Nelson Mandela’s contribution to peace through his active involvement in resolving conflicts, promoting human rights, international democracy and reconciliation, and in addressing racial issues.
Premier Modise highlighted that this year’s celebration will recognise and honour former President ‘s commitment to the objective of building a National Democratic Society that is united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous.
She said activities for this year will include unveiling of tomb stones of former freedom fighters, cleaning of graves, beautification of schools and old age homes, flying the South African flag in schools, holding, developmental workshops for emerging artists, handing out of blankets, assisting in maintaining back yard food gardens, donation of books to communities and immunisation programme.
Throughout the month and before the main Mandela Day celebrations which will be held in Zeerust, President Jacob Zuma, Ministers, Premiers, Members of Parliament and Provincial legislatures, Mayors and councillors will set aside time to do community service.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Premier Modise said: “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hand to make a difference.”
Premier stressed that activities such as assisting someone to fill a form, helping an orphan to obtain an identity document or birth certificate, assisting an elderly with their shopping, volunteering at a local school can add value to communities.
The first Mandela Day was launched in New York on July 18, 2009, but the UN’s resolution to declare the day occurred later that year. On November 10, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring July 18 as “Nelson Mandela International Day”.
The launch on Tuesday held at Kadistswene Heritage site was graced by among others Acting Kgosi Ketshabile Moiloa of the Bahurutshe Boo-Moiloa, MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Tebogo Modise, the Chief Whip of the Majority Party in the Provincial legislature, Gordon Kegakilwe, Members of Parliament and Provincial legislature, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Mayor, Afrika Thale and mayors from other municipalities.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 086 620 4802
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
Make a difference, honour Madiba - NWest Premier Modise
Province
