Nelson Mandela Day: 67 Minutes of Endless Opportunities

 

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

 

Tuesday 18th of July is the day that commemorates the great Tata Nelson Mandela’s birthday. This year, the focus and messaging are based on promoting community and home-based gardens, supporting fruit and indigenous tree planting, and creating awareness of the intersections between food security and climate change.

 

Citizens of South Africa are encouraged to spend 67 minutes of their day on the 18th of July in service to others in need – these 67 minutes are in appreciation of the 67 years that Nelson Mandela spent fighting for justice, equality, and human rights.

 

So, what will you do to help in your community? Here are some ideas:

• Plant and grow fresh produce that you can use to support vulnerable communities.
• Help to establish food gardens at children’s homes and shelters or nursing homes.
• Set up a recycling system in your home to reduce landfill and plastic pollution, and actively educate others in your community about recycling.
• Clean up a city park.
• Volunteer at a local school or organisation to help with maintenance or repairs.
• Collect used clothes and shoes, toiletries, and nappies for those in need.
• Organise a group of people to pick up litter in your area, to encourage a cleaner and more pleasant environment.
• Donate blood at your nearest SA National Blood Service – every donated unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives!

 

As a Taxipreneur or driver, you could help with any of the above initiatives by transporting produce, donated clothing, or recyclables to where they need to be – for those who rely on public transport. Offering a small area in the minibus at no cost, outside of peak commuting times, can make a difference to communities and organisations that depend so heavily on charity and the Ubuntu spirit.

 

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.” Nelson Mandela