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Nelson Mandela honored and celebrated in South Africa
by Joseph Earnest July 17, 2012
Newscast Media CAPE TOWN—Nelson Mandela Day in South Africa is July 18. It's the day when South Africans celebrate their former president's contribution to universal freedom by donating 67 minutes of their time to public service. South Africa's freedom icon, Nelson Mandela, spent 67 years of his life fighting for the liberty and freedom of all South Africans, both black and white. 27 of those years were spent as a political prisoner on Robben Island.
As the country marks Mandela's 94th birthday, South Africans say they will never forget his struggle against oppression, racism and the subjugation of the majority by the minority.
"That guy is our hero. He's a great man," Nonhlalhla Cebekhulu told DW. "I was so inspired by his doings. I am so impressed by the way he saved this nation."
Most South Africans, be they individuals or organizations, are so impressed by Mandela's achievements that they are eager to follow the call to help the under-privileged on his birthday. They will spend 67 minutes in the service of the people in commemoration of the number of years Mandela devoted to fighting for liberation and freedom.
Among the institutions taking part is the University of South Africa,
UNISA. A distance learning university, UNISA caters for more than
400,000 students all over the country and in many other parts of the
African continent. Gcina Nhleko is the university's communications
manager in KwaZulu-Natal.
"Each national UNISA office will be embarking on projects to visit
schools all over the country and make a difference in the lives of
under-privileged students. We want to put a smile on their faces, even
for just a day," she told DW.
Andile Montzontsisi is a second year Bachelor of Commerce student in
Durban. He and his fellow students also plan to do something for the
needy in honor of Nelson Mandela.
"On the 18th we are going to an orphanage where we are going to give clothes, money and food for children who have no parents."
Nelson Mandela will spend his 94th birthday at his home in his ancestral village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape. Among the many prominent people calling on him to pay their tributes is the former United States President Bill Clinton, who is touring the region as part of a humanitarian mission. Add Comments>>
Source: Radio Deutsche Welle
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