Foundation supports Take a Girl Child to Work campaign

Nomvula Sikhakhane with the Foundation’s Florence Garishe

August 19, 2010 – The Nelson Mandela Foundation has taken part for the second year in a row in the Take a Girl Child to Work campaign, hosting 13-year-old Nomvula Sikhakhane from Rand Girls’ School on Thursday, August 19.

Sikhakhane, a Grade 8 student, spent the day learning more about the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and its Centre of Memory and Dialogue.

“It was a great experience because I got to know what most people do and actually get a picture of what happens at the Nelson Mandela Foundation,” Sikhakhane said.

The best part of her day was when she watched a documentary about Mr Mandela in the Foundation’s auditorium, she said. “I got to understand how Nelson Mandela fought for the country and sacrificed his life for the people.”

Sikhakhane also spent time with Information and Resource Officer Boniswa Nyati in the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Resource Centre.

Jackie Maggott, the Foundation’s programme support officer, showed Sikhakhane letters written to Mr Mandela by members of the public and gifts that he received for his 92nd birthday. “Some birthday wishes were still coming in a month after his birthday,” Sikhakhane said. “Some of them were asking for his help but Jackie told me that he is retired and spends his time with his family and friends.”

Sikhakhane expressed her appreciation to both the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Rand Girls’ School for the opportunity.

Last year, Mr Mandela’s great-granddaughter, Zenani Mandela, spent the day at the Foundation for its first Take a Girl Child to Work Day. She was to attend with Sikhakhane this year, but she was tragically killed in a car accident on June 11, 2010.