Youth consider Mandela Day

The 46664 website says, “Mandela Day on July 18 is an annual international day adopted by the United Nations. It is more than a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy; it is a global movement to take his life’s work into a new century and change our world for the better. Mandela Day asks us all to embrace Madiba’s values and honour his legacy through an act of kindness. Who knows, it might leave you inspired enough to make every day a Mandela Day”

The idea of the day is that Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for human rights therefore people should be encouraged to give 67 minutes of their time to do good deeds for other people.

People have different views about the day and on Mandela in general. Bonga Magazi an activist for Young Womens Chapter Organisation said that she does not understand why people still want Mandela alive. She believes that Mandela is an icon but he has no current influence in South Africa due to his age. “After his term as the president Mandela was not active in South African affairs. I understand that he is a hero but South Africans are being unrealistic about him being alive”, she said.

Bonga also said that she doesn’t understand the idea of the 67 minutes campaign. “ I think the 67 minutes campaign is a publicity stunt for the ANC to get more voters. Instead of 67 minutes South Africans should be motivated to do community work throughout the year.” Bonga says that many people do not even know what the 67 minutes means.

Tsepo Mota, a student at UCT and a youth activist said that she acknowledges that Mandela is a world Icon. She said that he is an inspiration to people especially the poor. “The day is cool in theory, but its implementation and what it does for the future I do not think its hitting the spot. I think it means that on that day you should be a good human being but I do not know if it emphasises that behaviour beyond that,” said Tsepo.

Vuyani Frans who works for a councillor in Zolani Centre Youth Development said that everyday should be a Mandela Day. “We should remember that while he was a public figure in most speeches he never forgot to mention children. He made so many sacrifices even when he was behind bars. Even after his release he spent less time with his family. Instead he put his own country first,” he said.

Thanduxolo Mjoli says the day should be made a public holiday. He says Mandela needs to be celebrated for centuries. He also said that, because of Mandela he will always be an ANC supporter. Thanduxolo said he disliked the fact that people spoke badly about Mandela and his family even though it was his birthday.

Mandela is supported across political parties. Ntombi Mayekiso is a DA member. She said that people should acknowledge that Mandela will always be a noble man. She continued, “People should not let their educated mentalities cloud the fact that because of him and many other leaders at the time, South Africans are free. The liberal education which people are getting is through the work of Madiba.”

Ian Nothard said, ”People should honour Mandela as a world icon and acknowledge that he is an excellent leader.” As a liquor store owner, Nothard gave away 67 beers and 67 hotdogs to his Rondebosch community to celebrate Mandela Day. Nevertheless he is worried that after the death of Mandela, xenophobic attacks will again take place in South Africa.

On the other hand Wadea Tape said, “For me the day is normal. It’s the same as any other day. I am a businesswoman and since I did not make any money from it, I do not see why it should matter to me.”

A student that did not want to be named said that Mandela Day is important mostly to those people who are guilty for apartheid. “Those people think that every year on 18 July, if they do good then their conscious will be clear for the year,” she said.