A CALL TO ACTION - 67 MINUTES

#SMED11

18 July is the birthday of one of South Africans most iconic figures, Nelson Mandela who has spent 67 years making the world a better place. It is on this day that the Mandela Day Campaign calls on people everywhere to celebrate Mandela’s birthday by committing 67 minutes of their time to “recognize their individual power to make an imprint and help change the world around them for the better,” - Nelson Mandela Foundation.

It does not matter in whatever shape of form the 67 minutes is, the importance is that we spend time reflecting on how we can make a difference and then putting these plans into action - giving unselfishly of our time. “Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give,” - Eleanor Roosevelt, former US First Lady

In the spirit of Ubuntu, South Africans will heed the call to assist organizations and communities in a number of ways ranging from:
• Cleaning of premises
• Planting trees
• Donating food and clothes and/or other essentials
• Washing windows/floors
• Reading and/or story-telling
• Painting and /or decorating houses

I fully support he 67 minutes campaign and to this end I can confidently confirm hat on Saturday 16 July 2011, Metrorail staff members and community volunteers have committed more than 67 minutes by transporting 100 learners to Cavendish Square to participate in the ‘Every girl is a princess’ campaign. In addition to being transported, pampered, having their photos taken alongside celebrities and receiving numerous goodies, these girls also signed a wall treaty which focussed on Abuse against Women.

In conclusion I believe that we all should constantly strive to reach out to others and make every day our own, personal Nelson Mandela 67 Minute Day. “Happiness is never something you get from other people. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give” - Oprah Winfrey.