MILLIONS of South Africans from all walks of life devoted 67 minutes of their time to doing good yesterday in celebration and honour of global icon Nelson Mandela.
Mandela celebrated his 93rd birthday at his home village of Qunu in Eastern Cape. The country sang in one voice, with millions of schoolchildren throughout the country doing the special rendition of Happy Birthday Madiba at 8.05am.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said: "I am deeply humbled by the response from our learners and from educators.
"The extra support from the broader community and the media to jointly play and sing the song will go down in history as one of the most memorable events in South Africa since the dawn of democracy."
Gauteng MEC for education Barbara Creecy was at Bree Primary School in Mayfair, Johannesburg, and thanked Madiba for his contribution to democracy.
In Mohlakeng on the West Rand, the elderly were treated to a massage, manicures and pedicures at Simunye-Thuso Services Centre.
Tinkie Selele, 61, said: "This is the first time I got a massage. It feels great. I will definitely do it more often."
Masseuse Nozi Rebe said she was glad she had taken part in the event. "I usually charge R50 to massage an elderly person, but today I am doing it for free. It is a special day for Mandela and I'm doing my bit to do good for the community."
Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele launched the Zenani Mandela Road Safety Scholarship at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
"The scholarship will contribute to the United Nations Decade of Action and is also a key part of Mandela Day. We used the occasion to remind the world that while it is the living who close the eyes of the dead, it is the dead who must open the eyes of the living," Ndebele said.
Scandal actor Sello Maake ka-Ncube took to the streets of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, with members of the SAPS and pleaded with criminals to stop killing police officers.
"They are our brothers and sisters and, more importantly, they are here to protect us. During the apartheid era, the police were seen in the black community as the enemy but things have changed now and we must change that mind-set," he said.
Aids ambassador Lucky Mazibuko and the University of Johannesburg devoted their 67 minutes cleaning, reading to children and painting Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.
Gauteng MEC for economic development Qedani Mahl-angu handed over blankets to Itlhokomeleng Retirement Home in Alexandra. "Let us contribute ourselves to 67 minutes of selflessness in the name of Madiba," Mekgwe said.
Credit to:Sowetan
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