July 17, 2009 – Nelson Mandela famously stated in 2008 that “it is time for new hands to lift the burdens”. The Nelson Mandela Foundation and 46664 have called for Mandela Day on July 18 and are asking the world to make his dreams a reality.
Mandela Day, which takes place tomorrow, on Mandela’s 91st birthday, has been endorsed by the 119 countries comprising the Non-Aligned Movement. The Foundation’s Ruth Rensburg explains, “Mandela Day stems from Mr Mandela’s call for ‘new hands to lift the burden’.”
Nelson Mandela dedicated 67 years to fighting social injustice. Citizens of the world are asked to pledge 67 minutes of their time on July 18, to helping their communities in any way they choose. The symbolic gesture serves as a salute to Mr Mandela’s unwavering commitment to social justice and change for good.
South Africans have been eager to pledge their time to continuing the good work of Mr Mandela, says Rensburg. Saturday will see hundreds of people turning out to clean-up local schools, parks and beaches, to donate blood and to spend time orphanages and old-age homes.
Companies and organisations have not hesitated to get involved either. A group of beauticians will spend the day giving massages to the elderly, changing the world, “one massage at a time” while a KZN-based company will offer discounted skills workshops to businesses with more than 50% black shareholding. The Congress of South African Trade Unions, like many other organisations, will be actively involved, donating food and cleaning up communities country-wide.
The government will honour their former leader on Saturday by devoting their time to helping society. President Jacob Zuma plans to visit a home for the elderly where he will engage with residents, and Members of Parliament are set to spend the day painting government buildings and cleaning the surrounding areas.
What is impressive, says Rensburg, is the number of people who “do Mandela Day every day”. These people spend each day dedicated to promoting social change though their commitment is rarely acknowledged. Mandela Day is a way to “sing the songs of unsung heroes”, explains Rensburg.
The action of every individual, no matter how small, can make a difference. She says, “The analogy of light rain falling and creating an ocean reflects the impact of small actions ... each little drop counts.”
Rensburg adds that the world’s “astounding response” has “added global impetus” to the cause.