Latest news with #MandelaDay
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Mandela Day is for giving back — not just for 67 minutes
In 1970 Robert Greenleaf released an essay entitled, 'The Servant as a Leader'. Greenleaf could hardly have expected to start a revolution in the then fledgling leadership discipline. Of particular interest and intrigue was that Greenleaf had used what ought to have been contradictory terms, namely 'servant' and 'leader' to describe a type of leader. In a nutshell, he argued that the best leaders were those who saw their main task as serving those they had been tasked to lead. This was contrary to the dominant idea at the time that those who lead should lord it over those in their charge. As we this month commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day, or Mandela Day as many of us call it, we are once again reminded of the importance of leaders who place their followers first in the quest to transform the institutions they lead. Former president Mandela may have never described himself in the terms articulated by Greenleaf. Still, it is commonly understood that Mandela personified what it means to dedicate one's life to serving one's people. In fact, in his first public address after being released from prison in 1990, he said: 'I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people.' The number 67 was chosen to reflect the number of years former President Mandela spent in public life and includes the years he was imprisoned as well as his tenure as South Africa's first democratically elected president. It was for this attitude that the UN in 2009 declared Madiba's birthday, July 18, as Nelson Mandela International Day and encouraged everyone to dedicate at least 67 minutes of their time and lives to helping those who needed a hand, and to do so without expecting anything in return. The number 67 was chosen to reflect the number of years former President Mandela spent in public life and includes the years he was imprisoned as well as his tenure as South Africa's first democratically elected president. As has been tradition for the last 15 years, many South African individuals and organisations will identify and choose an institution they can dedicate their 67 minutes of service to, and this is to be strongly encouraged. This year's Mandela Day Theme, 'It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality', is consistent with the three priorities of the government of national unity (GNU). The education sector, especially the higher education and training sector, is well placed to play an active role in combating poverty and inequality. Mandela himself reminded us that 'education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world'. As someone with executive oversight over the department of higher education and training (DHET) as well as its entities, I see this potential to change the world every day. Education is never an end but rather a means to an end, which is to meaningfully integrate the educated person into the economy and improve their lives and those of their loved ones. I am also acutely aware of the challenges the sector faces. Some of the challenges are systemic in nature and will not be overcome overnight. These include the gaps in funding for tuition and for the provision of adequate bed space for students. We also have the real challenge that some of our Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) being more likely to make news for poor governance and unethical behaviour than for having the positive impact in combating poverty and inequality. The two reports released by the commission for gender equality (CGE) last year further highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment and GBV in the post-school education and training (PSET) system. While all the above-mentioned are equally urgent, if I were to single out another area of our PSET system that needs more urgent attention than others, it would be the Community Education and Training (CET) colleges. These are offshoots of the former Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) centres. CET students best embody what Madiba said about education having the potential to change the world. Yet they remain what I often refer to as the 'stepchild of the stepchild' of the higher education sector. They receive about 2% of the DHET total budget to share across 200 community learning centres and their nearly 1,600 satellite centres where teaching and learning take place. What is more concerning is that bulk of their annual funding goes to salaries, leaving very little for other needs such as infrastructure. Many CET colleges are hosted in schools owned by the department of basic education because they do not have facilities of their own. This is itself a disincentive for some individuals who do not want to be seen studying in facilities designed for younger children. Another challenge for students attending CETs is that, unlike their counterparts in the PSET system, they do not receive any aid from the National Student Financial Assistance Scheme (NSFAS). Consequently, food insecurity is high and students often choose to forego classes if this clashes with an opportunity to earn a day's wage that can keep hunger at bay. Where food insecurity is high, there tends to be a shortage of hygiene products. This is why I have decided to give my 67 minutes to one of these colleges in Kariega, Eastern Cape that so urgently need our support. That said, we cannot afford to throw our hands up in despair. It will be unMandela-like to do so. Madiba's life is an example of never giving up to the challenges of the day, no matter how insurmountable they might be. As he famously said, 'it always seems impossible until it's done'. The PSET system desperately needs servant leaders. We need men and women who properly appreciate that the education enterprise cannot succeed unless there is collaboration with all areas of society, including the private sector. For it to be done, the PSET sector needs partners. We need leaders like Mandela in local government institutions, traditional leadership authorities, business and non-governmental organisations to each identify how they too can serve in the effort to combat poverty and inequality. Equally, we need leaders within the sector who have the foresight and are open to partnerships and deliberately seek these out to enhance what their own organisations can offer to their stakeholders and to society at large. With more than 100 entities under the DHET ambit and tens of thousands of students in our various institutions of higher education, it can be said with the utmost humility that the sector is too big to fail. On the flipside, the sector's success will have an impact in every home, workplace and in our economy. With our service, we can ensure that we are the side of making the sector succeed.
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
The IIE's Varsity College Sandton supports Johannesburg Children's Home
In a heartfelt act of generosity and service, staff from The IIE's Varsity College Sandton campus commemorated Mandela Day by collecting and donating essential supplies for the Johannesburg Children's Home. The donation, which included non-perishable food items, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, was handed over during a special visit to the home in Observatory on July 18. The Johannesburg Children's Home, a long-standing sanctuary for vulnerable children, currently cares for 64 young individuals aged between three and 21 years. Also read: The IIE's Varsity College Sandton students get active The home offers a nurturing, family-style environment that helps children develop the life skills they need to become self-sufficient adults. The home's marketing associate, Sihle Ntombela, expressed gratitude for the thoughtful contribution. 'We are always so thankful when we receive donations, especially on Mandela Day. These contributions not only help us become more sustainable; they show the children that there are people who care about them. Every donation we receive makes a meaningful impact and helps us continue the work we do.' Staff from The IIE's Varsity College Sandton campus were deeply moved by the experience, viewing their involvement as part of a broader mission to lead with empathy and empower the next generation. Also read: Talk inspires college students for future careers in criminal justice and psychology The initiative underscores the campus' belief that education should go hand-in-hand with compassion, community engagement, and social responsibility. 'As Mandela Day continues to inspire acts of kindness across the country,' said the institution, 'the campus' contribution is a reminder that education is not only about learning, but also about leading with compassion.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
2 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Lindelani residents set to benefit from Alliance Housing Project
Residents in Lindelani informal settlement are expected to be the main beneficiaries of the Alliance Ext 6-13 mega-housing project in Springs. Last week, on July 18, during the commemoration of Mandela Day, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza and the MMC for Human Settlement, Kgopelo Hollo, visited the project and handed over houses to beneficiaries. The project is expected to yield 1639 housing units. The City of Ekurhuleni said in a statement released on Friday that other beneficiaries residing outside of Lindelani will also be considered in line with the city and provincial housing allocation policies, such as those in emergency need of housing. 'Currently, 677 housing units have been built and allocated to their rightful owners,' the CoE said. To check the status of their application to the social housing programme, residents can log on to or visit the city's Human Settlements Department at their nearest CCC. ALSO CHECK: Palm Springs car guards take action to clean up dirty parking lot ALSO CHECK: Advent One donates 150 corrugated iron sheets to help rebuild Slovo Park after explosion
The Citizen
2 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Guides make 115 litres of soup for hospice
The Port Shepstone Teddies, Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers rolled up their sleeves last Saturday and achieved their goal – making more than 115 litres of soup in honour of 115 years of Guiding. The soup was donated to South Coast Hospice as part of a heartfelt community initiative in celebration of Mandela Day. The project received overwhelming support, with donations pouring in ahead of the event and more arriving on the day. 'Thank you so much… we really needed the big pots!' said Panda Jolene Evans. 'We had amazing community support. Even parents were messaging me with what they bought and donations they received – it was incredible.' HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day 2025: South African Mission in the State of Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The South African Embassy in the State of Kuwait successfully commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day on 20 July 2025 with a meaningful visit to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) women's shelter in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, which supports expatriate workers facing legal or employment-related challenges. Led by Ms. Busisiwe Mpungose, Acting Head of Mission, the visit was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), specifically the Human Rights and Africa Affairs Departments, and PAM, reflecting Mandela's enduring values of kindness, care, and humanity. The event honoured Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated annually on July 18. The Embassy staff was warmly received by officials from MoFA's Human Rights Department and representatives of PAM. During the tour, Ms Mpungose and Embassy staff were briefed on intake procedures and the operational roles of the various governmental institutions supporting the shelter. The delegation observed the wide range of services provided to residents, including legal aid, healthcare, psychological counselling, and social support. PAM officials shared insightful information about the shelter's residents and responded to questions from Ms. Mpungose and Embassy staff. In a spirit of engagement and solidarity, the South African Embassy dedicated 67 minutes, in tribute to Mandela Day, to acts of positivity and social support, including interactive activities with the residents, such as arts and crafts, indoor billiards, and outdoor volleyball, all aimed at promoting unity and well-being of the residents. As part of the initiative, the Embassy generously also donated clothing items to the shelter to help meet the needs of the residents. Ms Mpungose commended the Government of the State of Kuwait for its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and reaffirmed South Africa's dedication to advancing Mandela's legacy of service and humanity. She concluded by extending warm wishes to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and continued peace and prosperity to the State of Kuwait. Ms Mpungose and the Embassy staff expressed their sincere admiration for the shelter's resolute staff and their commitment to providing protection, care, and legal support to vulnerable women. The Mission extended heartfelt thanks to PAM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all staff involved for their hospitality and tireless efforts in upholding the values of human dignity and compassion. History Of The Nelson Mandela International Day and the 67 Minutes Nelson Mandela International Day was officially declared by the United Nations on November 10, 2009, recognising Nelson Mandel's extraordinary contribution to peace, freedom, and human rights. The day is celebrated annually on July 18th, Mandela's birthday. This day encourages people around the world to honour Mandela's legacy by taking action to improve their communities an promote social justice. The concept of 67 minutes symbolically represents the 67 years of Nelson Mandela's life dedicated for fighting for equality, social justice and human rights. On Mandela Day, individuals are expected to spend at least 67 minutes doing something positive for others, reflecting Mandela's lifelong dedication to making the world a better place.
