Play your part on Mandela Fridays

2018 has been declared the year to celebrate the life of Madiba.

South Africans and the international community have been called to emulate the values of the first democratic, President Nelson Mandela, as the country celebrates his centenary.

A key contributor to the centenary euphoria is Mandela Fridays where the domestic and international community are encouraged to perform acts of selflessness, giving back to those less fortunate and making the lives of others better.

“We call on all South Africans, schools, faith based organisations and other sectors of society to join in the centenary celebrations. Let us all, even in our busy lifestyles set aside some time to play our part and make a difference in the lives of others,” said Minister of Communications Nomvula Mokonyane.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 2018 the year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in his State of the Nation Address. This is also the year that the international icon would have turned 100.

“As the celebrations get underway, every person should take what they have learnt from Madiba and his approach and apply it to everyday life.

“He not only believed in his values but also conveyed them in his daily life, and we need to re-live his values to keep his dream alive of a better South Africa and to make the world a better place,” Minister Mokonyane said.

Centenary of Mama Albertina Sisulu

This year, the country also celebrates the centenary of Mama Albertina Sisulu, who dedicated her life to fight for the emancipation of women and the liberation of South Africa.

The Minister said Sisulu displayed great courage and is hailed for being a unifying leader during the apartheid era.

In 1956, she was instrumental in leading around 20 000 women from across South Africa to march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria against carrying of passes by women.

“Their act of defiance will forever be ingrained in the hearts and history of South Africa; it will forever be an example that can be passed on from one generation to the next.”

Commemorative activities

A year-long series of awareness, educational, celebratory and commemorative activities will take place across the country, building up to a  national centenary celebration on former President Mandela’s birthday on the 18th of July 2018.

The main event will take place at Mvezo, Eastern Cape and will be led by President Ramaphosa.

More details on the planned centenary events in honour of former President Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu will be made available on www.gov.za

Members of the public are urged to post pictures, videos and selfies of what they will be doing to celebrate ''BETHELEGACY'' on social media using #Mandela100 and #BeTheLegacy or alternatively send to electronic@gcis.gov.za.