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What are YOU doing for Mandela Day? |
Mandela Day is quickly gathering global momentum ...
It's a day to pay tribute to Madiba, who turns 91. It's a day to give up just 67 minutes of your time ... and it's happening this Saturday, 18 July 2009.
Nelson Mandela has become a global icon for human rights and
reconciliation. He started to make his mark on the world 67 years ago,
when he actively started campaigning for human rights and dignity for
all South Africans.
The aim of 'Mandela Day' is to call upon each and
every one of us to just donate 67 minutes of our time to help others.
Kind of like the butterfly effect, the self-less actions of just one of
us can gather momentum and encourage others to do likewise - and create
a better world for all of us.
A host of concerts and events are also planned to celebrate this day all around the world.
In
New York, the Radio City Music Hall is hosting a huge concert where
some of the world's best-known artists and celebrities will perform -
from France's First lady, Carla Bruni, to Aretha Franklin, Stevie
Wonder, Whoopi Goldberg and Alicia Keys along with appearances by 46664
loyalists Morgan Freeman, Forest Whitaker and Matt Damon.
46664
will also be working with its various organisations across the globe to
create awareness for this day, as well as hosting events to honour
Mandela's life and legacy.
Last night, former US President, Bill
Clinton, hosted an exclusive Mandela Day Gala Dinner and Auction at the
imposing Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal - where Madiba's
wife Graca Machel-Mandela, his daughter and grandson flew in especially
to attend. A number of VIPs and celebs were there to make it a
star-studded event - with special tributes by Morgan Freeman, Bill
Clinton, amongst others and performances by South African favourites,
Jonathan Butler and the grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Other
glamourous guests were to include Forest & Keisha Whitaker, Harry
Belafonte, Beyonce and Jay Z. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent
his address for the gala via video link, pledging his full support for
Mandela Day and what it stands for.
The dinner was followed by
an exclusive Christie's auction with all proceeds going to the Nelson
Mandela Foundation to support 46664 HIV and AIDS projects and outreach
campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa.
Closer to home, there are a host of the national celebrations taking place in and around South Africa this weekend.
There's
an all-day programme of speeches, music and dance at Mary Fitzgerald
Square, Newtown, Johannesburg under the banner of "Working together for
the common good of our nation" (starts at 09h00). Performers include
Taliphani (Venda dance), TK Dancers, Sechaba, Winnie Khumalo, RJ
Benjamin, Chommie, Arthur, Nhlanhla Nciza, Zamajobe, Kwela Tebza, Jonas
Gwagwa, Kunle Ayo from Nigeria, DJ Sbu, Stoan Seate, Florence Masebe
and Meshack Mavuso.
The University of Fort Hare in Eastern Cape,
(Nelson's former university) is holding week-long celebrations, ending
with all the people of Alice uniting to clean up the town and paint
and beautify Jabavu High School.
Everyone seems to be planning to get involved and do their bit.
Bongani
Ncube, of Johannesburg said the youth of Westonaria (a West Rand mining
town) had got the community geared up to host a poetry event, dedicated
to Madiba.
Store manager, Richard Clarke, is getting together
with his friends to spend their 67 minutes donating blankets to the
needy communities in and around Pretoria.
"It's very cold this
time of the year. Mandela is a champion of human rights and dignity. I
think this will be an appropriate way to honour him," said Mr Clarke.
He thinks the idea behind Mandela Day is great, and will go a long way
to retain Madiba's legacy.
Lerato Modise, 19, said she will
spend her 67 minutes in church praying for Madiba. "I will be praying
that God preserves him for many years to come," she said, adding that
Madiba is one person that the nation needs around for a very long time.
An
elderly Swiss national, Helmut Walchli, is returning to his home
country, but said he would dedicate his time to teaching people about
the importance of world peace and anti-racism, things he believes
Madiba stands for.
"Mandela is a very good man, I would have
loved to celebrate the day here, but I will make sure I make my
contribution even if I'm in Switzerland because Mandela belongs to the
world," said Mr Helmut.
Athenkosi Mnisi, 13, and the rest of
her Kopano Primary School will be visiting an old age home in Mamelodi
where they will give presents to the needy. "We will also be performing
a few chores and will be spoiling the old people with lots of goodies,"
she said.
Theresa Mthimynye, from Kwandebele says she is going
to volunteer at the South African Blood Services encouraging people to
donate blood. "It is important that people know the importance of
donating blood, blood saves lives," she said.
And Madiba? How does he plan to spend the day? Quietly at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Happy Birthday Madiba, you've done more than your fair share already.
How will YOU be spending your 67 minutes this Saturday?
Source: BuaNews
Former South African president Nelson Mandela is pictured in London in
June last year. Mandela celebrates his 91st birthday on Saturday, with
a call for people worldwide to spend 67 minutes of their day giving
service to their communities to honour the 67 years that Mandela has
spent fighting for human rights and the betterment of humankind.AFP
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