SOUTH AFRICA- The Nelson Mandela Foundation has called on all South Africans and other citizens of the world to use Nelson Mandela International Day (Mandela Day) as a renewal of their commitment to make sustainable difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
This call was made at the marking of Madiba’s birthday on Tuesday, 18th of July. The opinion of the great legend on community service was once again revisited. The foundation reminded the world that according to the Late African Leader, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.” But that, “It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Foundation says “It is important that one consider their ability to be of service in a manner that makes a difference.” This year, according to reports, the celebration is centred on the theme: “Action Against Poverty”, and was discussed exhaustively, inviting all to take actions towards meaningful intervention in order to rid poverty out of the world.
Hatang, in his talk, thereby urged all Mandela day disciples to work towards making every other day a mandela day by virtue of continuous sacrifice.
“Today allows us to recommit ourselves to taking action and inspiring change so that we can make every day a Mandela Day. As we go out to plant gardens, build houses or feed pupils, we must know that it does not stop there; July 18 is the start of taking action, not the end. We want South Africans and people around the world to commit to long-term, sustainable projects that will tackle poverty.”
Sello Hatang concluded positing that: “Poverty and inequality are eroding the foundations of the democratic and just society that Madiba fought so hard to establish, and for which he laid the building blocks. Unless we tackle poverty, on a sustained and committed basis, Nelson Mandela’s dream of a better life for all will remain just a pipe dream.”
