Nelson Mandela, a life changer.

Note: This is an extract of a speech I delivered today, 18^th July 2019, at Sunrise Place of Care, Riba Cross, Burgersfort in Sekhukhune District of Limpopo province, where Mandela Day was being celebrated. I was invited as a guest of honour and Keynote speaker.

Nelson Mandela, a life changer.

Good day, Abusheni, Sanibonani, Molweni, Dumelan..!

 I rise before you to address the purpose of the day. I am not going to take much of your time so borrow me your ears.

Today marks Mandela Day- also known as the International Nelson Mandela Day.this means that we as South Africans, we are officially joined by the rest of the world to celebrate this day. Mandela Day is an occasion for all of us to take action and inspire change.

Why was Nelson Mandela Important?

I would like us to remember few things about Nelson Mandela today;

1.      He spend 27 years in prison fighting for our freedom, when he was released instead of seeking revenge, Mandela asked all of us to forgive and create peace.

2.      He was the first black president of South Africa who said, “ there can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return”

3.      And that “education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can be become a Doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of a farmworker can become the president of a great nation” let us be mindful of the fact that Nelson Mandela asked us to contribute to a better South Africa.

Mandela Day is the day we are asked to give 67 minutes of our time to do good, change someone’s life and contribute to make South Africa better- we can do this by working with the police to fight crime, create jobs for our youth, encourage our children to take education seriously, and assist the elderly with patience.

“it is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it” Nelson Mandela. And the opportunity to do so is today, right now, right here.

Make your Mandela Day meaningful today; let us all contribute to building a better South Africa, a better Riba Cross (My village), a better community, a better neighbour.

“Forgiveness liberates the souls. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon”

And “the true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children”

with this words, I want to say Mandela Day is your chance to change. To be courageous and brave to forgive and create peace around you and your community, after all, it is Nelson Mandela International Day.

Thank you, Kea Leboga!!!!!!!