Mandela Day 2016 will be launched by Ms Graça Machel, wife of the late statesman and international icon at the Dr Mathole Motshekga Primary School in Tembisa on Wednesday 8 June 2016.

“In celebrating seven years of Mandela Day this year, we thought it is important to stay true to the ethos and values of the initiative. The format of the announcement will be a first. We’re not only talking about Mandela Day activities, we are doing them,“ said Yase Godlo, Manager of Mandela day at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. 

The pillars of Mandela Day 2016 are: Education and Literacy, Food Security, Shelter and the Environment.

South Africans and international supporters are called on to help establish a garden, read to children, paint schools and support recycling initiatives run by the youth.  These would also be the main projects highlighted on International Mandela Day on 18 July 2016.

‘We are once again asking South Africa to Take Action and Inspire Change. With each year, we as the Nelson Mandela Foundation try to innovate around ways to make the initiative more accessible and impactful for the beneficiaries as well as the NGOs, corporates and individuals who commit to making a difference on Mandela Day,’ said Godlo.

As part of its mandate to build pride, patriotism, and a spirit of active citizenship Brand South Africa, as a key partner, supports this initiative through its Play your Part programme. The Play your Part programme is built around the South African ethos of Ubuntu and South Africa’s commitment to human development as outlined in the National Development Plan, and positions the youth as key role-players to the country’s drive for social and economic development.

Brand South Africa’s CEO, Mr Kingsley Makhubela said: “Mandela Day is an initiative dedicated to giving back to those less fortunate, the vulnerable and marginalised in our society. In fact, Mandela Day actively encourages service to others, just as Madiba himself gave many years of his life in service to humanity.

“As the nation and the world remembers the profound and lasting impressions of Madiba, who is recognised and celebrated as an icon for racial equality and freedom - South Africans are encouraged to play their part towards positive change by building their communities and upholding a spirit of Ubuntu and social cohesion,” concluded Mr Makhubela.

The following stakeholders have committed to support this activation on the day:

• ISIDINGO “the need” TV series actors
• Brand South Africa
• Tiger Brands
• PnG
• Food & Trees for Africa

Media is invited to join Ms Graça Machel, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Brand South Africa and other partners as follows:

Date                    :Wednesday 8 June 2016

Time                  :10h00-13h00

Venue               :Dr Mathole Motshekga Primary School
                         Address 496, Cnr Falcon and Riet Duiker Str, Rabie Ridge - Tembisa

RSVPS/Enquiries      : Tsabeng Nthite
                                      Email     tsabengn@brandsouthafrica.com
                                      Mobile number  076 371 6810

Brand South Africa will also be able to facilitate any requests for interviews.

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