In 2010, the United Nations Organisation declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day to be observed annually. On that day South Africans are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time in activities aimed at improving the lives of fellow South Africans especially those who find themselves in undesirable socio-economic conditions.
The Office of Honourable Speaker in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, F.D Xasa, has adopted Nelson Mandela Day as one of its priorities. To give meaning to this initiative, Members of the Provincial Legislature are encouraged to get physically and actively involved in a project that seeks to address undesirable living conditions in the identified community. Mbashe Local Municipality has been chosen as the place where the Legislature intervention should focus in 2013.
The main objectives of 2013 Nelson Mandela Day are to:
- Acknowledge Nelson Mandela’s contribution to community development.
- Contribute to Nelson Mandela’s vision of a better future for all.
- Exploit the legacy of Nelson Mandela to encourage nation building.
- Mobilise MPL’s and community members to pledge 67 minutes of their time.
- Enhance cooperative governance between the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and other spheres of government.
Key focus areas that have been identified are as follows:
Environmental Conservation: Environmental conservation is one of the priorities in the context of global warming and the emerging threat of climate change. Planting of trees and environmental conservation could minimise some of the problems we have on climate change. Through partnership with institutions that have a direct interest in climate change, this priority area shall enhance community awareness about the effects of global warming and ways in which its impact can be minimised and managed.
Establishment of a Community Garden: is aimed at encouraging healthy eating in the community. This priority area is meant to emphasise the importance of promoting sustainable livelihood to those who cannot afford. Community gardens are important to involve the youth in gainful activity to reduce their exposure to crime and other social ills that have adverse effect on society.
The target group and stakeholders comprise of :
- Members of the Executive Council (MEC’s)
- Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL’s)
- Councillors
- Government Departments such as Agriculture and Rural Development, DEDEA, Education, DSRAC
- Youth
- Traditional Leaders
- Business Sector
The Honourable Speaker, MEC’s and MPL’s shall participate in several activities which include planting of trees, refurbishment of public toilets, filling up potholes and cleaning of Elliotdale town to mark the Nelson Mandela Day celebration.
It is against this background that the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in partnership with Mbhashe Local Municipality invites members of the media to cover this event scheduled as follows:
Date: 17 July 2012
Time: 09h00
Venue: Elliotdale
Enquiries:
Velisile Bukula
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 071 642 3495 / 083 989 4518
Tel: 040 609 1591
Ext: 6591
Fax: 086 225 9780 / 040 608 6594
