Remembering Mandela

Dear Friends

“The world remains beset by so much human suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is <g data-gr-id="37">inyour</g> hands... to make of our world… a better one for all.” Nelson Mandela, 2008

As you may be aware, the United Nations has declared 18 July, Mandela Day and in recognition thereof participants are requested to pledge 67 minutes towards community development initiatives.  

His courage, forgiveness, idealism and life’s teachings demonstrated over 67 years are legendary and unquestionable.

I firmly believe that what is important about Nelson Mandela Day in as much as celebrating the life of our dear <g data-gr-id="49">Madiba,is</g> also the need to implement his teachings.  The call to action is simple, “Make <g data-gr-id="48">everyday</g> a Mandela Day, Take Action, Inspire Change.” This is especially pertinent given the current circumstances the countries of world are being confronted with, i.e. war, hunger, natural disasters, political upheaval, corruption, etc.. It is up to us and the future generations of our countries to take action, to inspire change. We should endeavour to do good and always help those less fortunate than ourselves so as to make the world that we live in a better place.

In this regard, I urge you to become part of the big Nelson Mandela family and help those that are less fortunate. 67 minutes is all that is required.

This year, the South African Consulate General will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of India, which is a non-profit organisation established in 1996, and since then they have fulfilled over 32,000 wishes across 11 divisions in India. The Foundation is dedicated to granting the most cherished wish of children between the ages of three and 18 years, living with life-threatening illnesses, irrespective of their socio-economic status, caste, race or religion.

I also thought I would share the following quote by Mandela with you:

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb.”

I chose this particular quote because, notwithstanding all the obstacles and challenges we will be confronted which in life we have to learn from Mandela to persevere and to always try and find the light at the end of the tunnel.  Let us join hands, take action and assist those less fortunate and less privileged to also realise their dreams.