By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – From the village of Marakong to the town of Harrismith, elderly residents are honouring the legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela by embodying the values he championed – compassion, service, and unity – through meaningful acts of kindness that reflect the spirit of Ubuntu.
As Mandela Day approaches, senior citizens across Maluti-a-Phofung are preparing to dedicate their 67 minutes of service in ways that pay tribute to South Africa’s beloved former president and global icon of peace and justice.
In line with Mandela’s own wish that his birthday not be marked as a public holiday, but rather as a day of action, the elderly are stepping up to volunteer and support those in need within their communities. “I really don’t know where to begin, but what I can say is that we are here today because of him,” said 65-year old Simon Nhlapo from Marakong.
Reflecting on the freedom he now enjoys, he added, “If it weren’t for Mandela, we wouldn’t be living with the rights and dignity we have today. Under apartheid, many of the things we do now would have been impossible. He is the king of our nation; he did so much for the poor and the underprivileged.”
Nhlapo emphasized that Mandela Day should not be seen as just another date on the calendar, but as a powerful reminder of the responsibility to continue Madiba’s work. “We must do something meaningful for the less fortunate, especially on his birthday. That’s what he stood for. And we must teach the youth to be compassionate and generous.”
In Harrismith, 68-year old Pulane Mofokeng of the Ikaheng Senior Citizens Club shared their plans for commemorating the day. “We’ll be distributing clothes to those in need and running a soup kitchen. We’ll serve soup and fruit to ensure even those without anyone to care for them feel supported on Mandela Day,” she said.
Mofokeng added that July, widely recognised as Mandela Month, is a time for reflection and giving back. “A hero was born on the 18th of July, and we celebrate this month in his honour.”
The Ikaheng club has been actively involved in organising community outreach initiatives, and Mandela Day provides an opportunity to deepen the spirit of humanity. “We want people to feel seen and cared for just as Madiba would have done,” Mofokeng said.
Mandela Day is observed annually on July 18, marking the birth of Nelson Mandela. The United Nations officially declared it Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009, encouraging people worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to doing good, symbolising each year Mandela spent fighting for justice, equality, and freedom.
In the heart of QwaQwa, the elders of Maluti-a-Phofung are living proof that no matter your age, your time, compassion, and love can make a difference – just as Madiba once did for an entire nation.
