Pretoria – Government has called on all citizens to dedicate their services to fellow human beings and convert their care and concern for former President Nelson Mandela into positive contributions to communities and worthy causes.
Government said it would throw its weight behind initiatives to celebrate this year’s International Mandela Day on Thursday by participating in a wide range of events aimed at inspiring individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so, build a global movement for good.
As part of the activities to mark the day, President Jacob Zuma will tomorrow hand over houses to the community of Danville in Pretoria West.
The Danville/Elandspoort project was identified as a “flagship project” for the eradication of the Hermanstad informal settlements in Pretoria West, which has been occupied by poor families residing in Road Reserves in the Atteridgeville area and other areas around Pretoria Central and Pretoria West.
In addition, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) officials, led by Acting CEO Nebo Legoabe, will visit two safety homes in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, as part of Mandela Day.
Legoabe said that South Africans had a responsibility to promote freedom and defend the country’s democracy in honour of Mandela’s commitment to these ideals.
“Some of the services that we will render on the day include general cleaning, laundry, gardening and general maintenance and donate items needed for the homes’ daily needs, ranging from daily groceries to books for school going kids.”
Legoabe further encouraged the communities to also participate in activities such as painting classrooms, cleaning parks and repairing water leaks in their communities.
Departments in all spheres of government will also have events lined up to celebrate Mandela Day, with the focus on key priorities, mainly education.
The Department of Basic Education will roll out its campaign of 94 schools for Madiba, and departmental officials plan to refurbish schools for the disabled across the country, while others will be supplied with basic amenities.
Cabinet designated the theme of Mandela Day 2013 as ‘Take action, inspire change - Make every day a Mandela Day’ with a focus on food security, shelter and literacy.
More information on planned government events for the Mandela Day/Month can be accessed on www.gcis.gov.za or www.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
