Pretoria - With the country and world standing ready to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day, on Friday, Government has encouraged all South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to clean up their communities.
This call is in line with President Jacob Zuma’s call for a major clean-up of the country’s cities, town, townships, villages and schools - known as ‘Operation Clean Up for Madiba’.
Communications Minister Faith Muthambi said a collective effort was needed to make a clean South Africa. She said citizens should go out in numbers and participate in activities that will improve their surroundings.
“The clean-up initiative promotes the very essence of the country’s blueprint, the National Development Plan. No matter how small the action, the aim is to practice a healthier and cleaner way of living by taking care of our environment,” Minister Muthambi said on Wednesday.
Some of the activities that people can participate in include cleaning up of streams, clinics, schools, picking-up litter, among others.
The minister also reiterated the call for the private and public sectors to dispose of waste in a responsible and environmental friendly way.
“Let us join hands, take action, inspire change and make every day a Mandela Day. Together, we move South Africa forward. ”
The President and the Deputy President will also be participating in the clean-up campaign in the Eastern Cape and North West respectively, while several cabinet ministers will also roll up their sleeves on Friday.
Mandela Day
South Africans will for the first time celebrate Mandela Day without the former president Nelson Mandela who passed away last year.
Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day celebrated on 18 July (on Mandela's birthday). The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010.
Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honour the legacy of Mandela, and his values, through volunteering and community service.
Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. - SAnews.gov.za
