Pretoria – Learners from schools across the country have been urged to hold a special assembly and sing “Happy Birthday” to Madiba on Thursday – his 95th birthday.
On 18 July, South Africans will mark the former President’s birthday as Mandela Day.
Individuals are urged to spend 67 minutes of their time helping change the world for the better in whatever way possible. This year’s theme is: “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”
The Department of Basic Education and Lead SA have called on schools to sing Happy Birthday for the former President at 8am and at the same time pray for Madiba.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said this was a way of thanking Madiba.
“The changes we enjoy today are the fruits of the toil of towering icons the stature of Tata Madiba. It can only be a privilege for every learner and every citizen to observe in song and reflect in prayer the 95th birthday of our former President, Nelson Mandela,” she said.
However, she called on schools to also ensure that the special assemblies do not disrupt learning.
“As we honour the former President’s birthday we appeal to schools and school managers to ensure that this important assembly does not impact negatively on learning and teaching for that is what Tata Madiba would have loved to see given his passion for education,” the minister said.
Motshekga has also appealed to all radio and television stations to play the “Happy Birthday” song at 8am on Thursday. It is available for download on www.leadsa.co.za.
The minister, Deputy Minister, MECs, Director-General and officials of the department are expected to be at various schools on Thursday to take part in Mandela Day activities.
LEAD SA and the department have rallied school children for the past two years to sing for Madiba. Millions of school children participated.
Lead SA’s Yusuf Abramjee said: “We decided to do it again for Madiba. We appeal to the nation to rally behind this call and to sing Happy Birthday. Everyone is also urged to say a prayer for Madiba and his family at their own discretion,” said Abramjee.
“The idea is not only to wish Madiba well but also to rally the world in service to the community. Let’s turn everyday into a Mandela Day.”
He said schools should also use the opportunity to reflect on Madiba’s legacy on Thursday. “Let’s follow Tata’s example of serving others,” Abramjee added.
CEO of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, Sello Hatang, said: “Our children’s education has a special place in Madiba’s heart and is at the centre of our legacy work and mandate to contribute towards a sustainable future through the promotion of social justice. Initiatives such as these display a passionate wish to see Nelson Mandela’s legacy being kept alive and made available to the world.”
Madiba was admitted to hospital on 8 June for a recurring lung infection. His condition remains critical but stable. – SAnews.gov.za
