Pretoria - Cabinet has called on all South Africans to honour former President Nelson Mandela by actively participating in the “Clean South Africa” campaign.
The campaign was first mooted by President Jacob Zuma during his State of the Nation Address last month, when he called on South Africans to begin planning for a major clean-up of cities, towns, townships, villages and schools, and beautifying every part of the country.
Speaking to the media following the fortnightly Cabinet meeting, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will recognise and present a “Clean South Africa” award to the top three municipalities during this month of July, which has been themed Mandela Month.
“We all have a responsibility to honour his life by cleaning, improving and beautifying our communities,” said Minister Muthambi.
Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day celebrated on 18 July (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.
The day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact.
Minister Muthambi urged South Africans to dedicate at least 67 minutes to do good throughout the month.
The 2014 Mandela Month celebration is particularly symbolic, as it is the first one since former President Nelson Mandela’s passing on 5 December 2013. – SAnews.gov.za
