Various entities continue their humanitarian endeavours in support of the annual 67 Minutes for Mandela campaign commemorated during July. Acts of goodwill are aimed at helping those less fortunate, and making the world a better place to live in.
The campaign encourages the public to voluntarily make a positive impact in the lives of others, which happens to coincide with the late and former president Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July. Some of the projects initialised by groups in or around Bloemfontein are:
17 to 23 July X Thaba Nchu
The Habitat for Humanity South Africa (HFHSA), a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to providing safe and affordable housing, will through its #BuildForMadiba 2023 initiative construct five houses in Thaba Nchu. These homes are part of the 18 planned for this year, countrywide. The organisation is calling on volunteers and donors to join hands in the programme and positively change the lives of the yet-to-be-revealed recipients.
Construction of each house takes four to six weeks, which accounts for site clearance to occupancy. Each family receives a 40 m² house with two bedrooms and a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. Those who are willing and able to contribute to the housing project, are invited to send an email to info@habitat.org.za. “A man is not a man until he has a house of his own,” Mandela once said.
18 July X Bloemfontein
The Mangaung Retired Teachers’ Association (Mareta) will donate essentials towards the Tswellang Special School for the physically disabled to benefit its learners.
18 to 20 July X Bloemfontein
A Mandela Day experience through a children’s theatrical clowning performance will be held. This event, hosted by the Charmza Literary Club, will take place at the National Museum, Bloemfontein Civic Theatre, and Naval Hill, starting at 10:00 until 12:00.
The clowning production is an educational programme that will teach children about the spirit of Mandelaville, where clowns occupy the land.
The proceedings will include a visit to the National Museum, where children will listen to a narration about Mandela, then watch the production at the Bloemfontein Civic Theatre, and finally visit the Mandela statue atop Naval Hill. “When we read, we are able to travel to many places, meet many people and understand the world,” Mandela would say.
29 July X Bloemfontein
The Club-X-Society in Heidedal celebrates 28 years of existence, and continues its legacy of reaching out to less fortunate learners and donating much-needed essentials to help them further their education. “They must lean on us, as this resonates with our motto to help them realise their dream to become better leaders of tomorrow,” says Basil Fillies, chairperson of the organisation. Members of the public who wish to lend a helping hand may contact Kim Morgan, project coordinator, at 083-566-5403.
