The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Lead SA have called on schools around South Africa to sing Happy Birthday for former President Nelson Mandela on Mandela Day, Thursday 18 July, at 08h00 and at the same time pray for Madiba.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said: “The changes we enjoy today are the fruits of the toil of towering icons the stature of Tata Madiba. It can only be a privilege for every learner and every citizen to observe in song and reflect in prayer the 95th birthday of our former President, Nelson Mandela.”
This is our way of saying “thank you Madiba.”
“As we honour the former President’s birthday we appeal to schools and school managers to ensure that this important assembly does not impact negatively on learning and teaching for that is what Tata Madiba would have loved to see given his passion for education,” the Minister said.
The Minister also appealed to all radio and television stations to play the Happy Birthday song at 8am on Thursday.
It is available for download on www.leadsa.co.za
The Minister, Deputy Minister, MECs, Director-General and officials of the DBE will be at various schools on Thursday to take part in Mandela Day activities.
LEAD SA and the DBE have rallied school children for the past two years to sing for Madiba. Millions of school children participated.
Lead SA’s Yusuf Abramjee said: “We decided to do it again for Madiba. We appeal to the nation to rally behind this call and to sing Happy Birthday.
“Everyone is also urged to say a prayer for Madiba and his family at their own discretion,” said Abramjee.
“The idea is not only to wish Madiba well but also to rally the world in service to the community. Let’s turn everyday into a Mandela Day.”
He said schools should also use the opportunity to reflect on Madiba’s legacy on Thursday. “Let’s follow Tata’s example of serving others,” Abramjee added.
CEO of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, Sello Hatang, said: “Our children’s education has a special place in Madiba’s heart and is at the centre of our legacy work and mandate to contribute towards a sustainable future through the promotion of social justice. Initiatives such as these display a passionate wish to see Nelson Mandela’s legacy being kept alive and made available to the world.”
Enquiries:
Panyaza Lesufi – DBE
Cell: 083 383 4517
Yusuf Abramjee- Lead SA
Cell: 082 4414 203
