Mandela's legacy has been corrupted by those in govt, say some citizens
While South Africans have been urged to celebrate the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday with acts of charity and service, some residents in Joburg say the day to remember Madiba and his legacy has been corrupted by those in government.
SANDTON - While South Africans have been urged to celebrate the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday with acts of charity and service, some residents in Joburg say the day to remember Madiba and his legacy has been corrupted by those in government.
Thousands, if not millions, of people across the world, and particularly in South Africa, spend 67 minutes of their time on Mandela Day to better the community and give back to those in need in honour of South Africa’s founding democratic president, who would have turned 104 this year.
South Africans have been urged to come out in their numbers to Mandela Square in Sandton to celebrate the late Nelson Mandelas Birthday with acts of charity and service#MandelaDay #67minutes pic.twitter.com/DiKa6r6NPc
EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 18, 2022
The 67 minutes of goodwill mark every year Mandela spent as a public servant while also being incarcerated.
It’s this selfless and unwavering commitment that has seen non-profit organisations like Ladles of Love lead some of the biggest campaigns on Mandela Day to feed the hungry.
This year, the NGO has gathered at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton to build the world’s largest food can mosaic.
Those who have donated food cans and volunteered their time say it’s up to society to step into the leadership vacuum left by government.
Volunteers said that the greatest contribution we could make today was to emulate the values of Madiba.
MORE THAN 33,000 CANS ALIGNED
Non-profit organisations say South Africans had the potential to inspire real change in the country, with just one small deed at a time.
More than 33,000 cans have been aligned to show the vibrant colours of our nation's flag in the heart of Nelson Mandela Square.
Hundreds of cans have been used to form the green Y-shape, as well as yellow and white borders of the flag while cans of Lucky Star pilchard separate sections of the red and blue.
Volunteers from all walks of life have joined this initiative from old to young.
Ladles of Love chief operating officer Candice Etberg said they had provided close to half a million meals to those in need.
“We are looking to raise R3 million and as of yesterday, we have raised R1.1 million. We feed 1 million people plus a month. So, we are looking to get as many people fed as possible.”
Meanwhile, at least 57,000 cans have been donated in Cape Town.
