Lisa Isaacs
‘THERE is a sense of praising Mandela for his sacrifice. Somehow we have forgotten that we have to sacrifice.”
So said Rivonia Trialist Denis Goldberg yesterday, as he remembered Madiba ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day.
Tomorrow, the world will celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy as both young and old give 67 minutes of their day to a good cause.
Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Mandela’s birthday, July 18, in 2009 by a unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly.
“Nelson Mandela is a symbol throughout the world for his service to people.
“The greatness of Mandela was in his ability to work with people like Oliver Tambo and others to mobilise people nationally and internationally… and begin to rebuild our country.
“It is not that he single-handedly brought about freedom, it is the greatness of his leadership. It is remarkable,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg, 82, said he would continue to remember Madiba for his political and personal courage, and urged the public to do more than their allotted 67 minutes.
Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive Sello Hatang said: “Nelson Mandela’s legacy has created the opportunity for us to achieve a bright future. Madiba aptly said: ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead’.”
Hatang said it was Mandela’s humanitarian philosophy and how he sought to live it every day that made him one of the most inspiring leaders in the world.
He said Madiba believed that every person has the ability to change the world for the better, no matter how big or small their contribution.
“In his twilight years, he encouraged all of us to carry his life’s work forward when he famously said: ‘It is in your hands now’.”
Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada wished that the volunteerism demonstrated on Mandela Day could be a daily act.
“Mandela Day will be marked by people across the globe. I am heartened by the thousands of activities across the world aimed at improving the lives of people – all of it done by volunteers. This is something that I draw inspiration from,” he said.
Kathrada, 85, added that volunteerism played a huge role during the Struggle.
“Mandela himself was a volunteer throughout his life. Just spending an hour a day helping a struggling child with schoolwork and resources is what would have satisfied Madiba,” he said.
The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation staff, led by executive director Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu, the daughter of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, will honour Madiba by giving soup and bread to people awaiting medical care at Groote Schuur Hospital today.
“Nelson Mandela International Day underscores our special responsibility as human beings to each other, to serve others.
“People visiting public hospitals often leave home in the dark to spend hours in the waiting rooms before being able to see a doctor.
“Many are unable to afford takeaway food, adding hunger to their burden of poverty and illness. Ours will be the privilege to feed them,” Tutu said.