Pretoria – Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela will walk 9.4km on Saturday as part of the 2014 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day taking place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
According to the Presidency, the Deputy Minister has partnered with Dignity Dreams, a non-governmental organisation which makes a huge difference in the day-to-day lives of South Africa's schoolgirls by providing reusable sanitary towels that can be used for four years.
Many schoolgirls stay away from school during their menstrual cycle as they are unable to afford sanitary towels.
Deputy Minister Manamela said he believes the education of young girls should not be put on hold while they go through their monthly menstrual cycle.
"We would like to be on board to raise awareness and funds so that more young girls can be afforded the dignity and protection they deserve during their monthly menstrual cycle while continuing with their education,” said Deputy Minister Manamela.
The Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day is an initiative between the Department of Sport and Recreation Africa and the Department of Arts and Culture to promote social cohesion and nation-building using the power of sport and the arts.
The 2014 programme includes a 67 kilometre cycle, a 27 kilometre run, a 9.4 kilometre walk or run and a 5 kilometre walk. The sporting events will be followed by musical entertainment on the Union Building lawns.
South Africans are welcome to donate to the worthy cause, using the reference #unite4mandela. – SAnews.gov.za
