Polokwane - It's official: the 2011 Nelson Mandela Day celebrations will be staged in Giyani stadium, Limpopo.
Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile made the announcement at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Day programme in Polokwane on Wednesday.
"The Nelson Mandela Day programme activities will commence in July and will culminate with the national event on 18 July at Giyani stadium in Mopani District, here in Limpopo province," he said.
According to Mashatile, either President Jacob Zuma or his Deputy Kgalema Motlanthe will attend the main event in Giyani.
Mandela Day is the birthday of former President Nelson Mandela who was born on July 18, 1918 in the former Transkei homeland.
On the day and the entire month of July, South Africans and people all over the world are encouraged to dedicate at least 67 minutes of their time to do community work in celebration of the values and principles that Mandela fought and stood for.
The 67 minutes symbolizes Madiba's years of selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world in the course of his extraordinary life. Mandela spent 67 years of life working to build a better life for all.
The day is an opportunity for all South Africans to set aside time to be of service to their fellow human beings who are less fortunate. It will also mark Madiba's 93rd birthday.
"As government, we would like to wish Tata Mandela a long, long life and as South Africans, we must begin to make every day of our lives a Mandela Day, so that we can be able to carry his legacy," said Mashatile.
He said although the main event will be held in Giyani, activities from 11 - 18 July will be held across the country and the entire Limpopo province.
"All of us, starting with President Zuma, his Deputy Motlanthe, ministers and deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, Premiers, MECs, councillors, mayors and civil servants will embark on activities such as donating books, assisting with job interview skills, mentoring, cleaning and greening of public spaces, promoting healthy lifestyles and many other such initiatives," he said.
MP Buti Manamela said on the international level, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon will address the UN General Assembly about the values of the world icon.
Manamela said on the day, Mandela will celebrate his birthday at his home in Houghton with 90 kids from all over the country.
"These kids, 10 per province, will be flown by SAA to Madiba's home in Gauteng," he said.
African National Congress chief whip, Mathole Motshekga, said they have decided to choose to host Mandela Day in Limpopo because it is one of the provinces in which Mandela once hid during apartheid, when forces were looking for him.
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared Mandela's birthday, 18 July as the annual Nelson Mandela Day.
The theme for this year's Nelson Mandela Day is "Working together to build a caring society."
Mashatile said the theme is a call to every individual to embrace the values of democracy and contribute towards the objectives of building a just and caring society.
Limpopo Arts, Sports and Culture MEC, Joyce Mashamba, said: "As South Africans, let's emulate the good values that Mandela stood for, let's go out and make a difference in our society to ensure that his legacy does not easily disappear."
Acting Limpopo Premier Dickson Masemola said: "As a province, we are ready and excited to host the magnificent and historic event."
In his speech delivered in 2009, Madiba said: "We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference."
