Parliament, Friday 18 July 2014 – Following a busy week at Parliament with Budget Votes from various government departments, Parliamentary staff heeded to the global call of dedicating 67 minutes of their time doing something good for humanity. Staff took part in the Mandela Day celebrations today and officials were united in emphasising the greatness of Ubuntu as inspired by Madiba,
Parliament commemorated the legacy of our icon under the theme: “Free yourself. Free others and Serve everyday. Make everyday a Mandela Day”. Through its Organisational Wellness programmes, Parliamentary staff participated in various projects around Cape Town, including an invitation extended by Parliament to 80 learners from Ikamvalethu High School in Langa. The learners were motivated and made aware of their career options in Parliament upon completion of their school education. Inkamvalethu High school is among the underperforming schools in the Western Cape, with a pass rate of below 50%.
These initiatives are aimed at honouring Nelson Mandela’s life, legacy and his selfless contribution to humanity and reconciliation.
Other projects included:
- The Women on Farms project in Stellenbosch: Parliamentary staff planted a food garden to help alleviate poverty in the areas.
- Rape Service Centres around the Peninsula: staff donated second-hand women’s clothes, rugs to give the environment a sense of warmth, kettles and cups to provide tea and coffee to victims of rape
- The Haven Night Shelters in Woodstock and Cape Town CBD: staff donated blankets, non-perishable foods, clothes, toiletries, toys and books.
