Nelson Mandela

Joburg turns out for Mandela Day

Rudo Mungoshi and Kgopi Mabotja

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19 July 2011

The spirits were high as hordes of people thronged Thokoza Park in Soweto, Johannesburg on 18 July to mark Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday. Ululations filled the air as people sang happy birthday and praises to Madiba.

"Nelson Mandela is a living icon who fought for the liberation of all the oppressed people in the world," said Executive Mayor Parks Tau, encouraging the private sector to work with the City in seeking solutions to poverty and unemployment.

"We should join hands to ensure a better future for our children where they would not suffer from our historical problems of prejudice."

The mayoral committee member for infrastructure services and environment, Roslynn Greeff, thanked the crowd for participating in the celebration. "Respect the Mandela footprint in this park and protect it for future generations," Greeff added.

Students from Soweto Equestrian Academy entertained the crowd, showing off their horse riding skills. The crowd were left in stitches with a song about the history of transport in South Africa by schoolchildren from Saint Mary's School, in Waverly.

Mandela Peace Orchard

After the speeches, Tau planted the 93rd tree in the Mandela Peace Orchard. The ceremonial planting was followed by the unveiling of a plague outlining the milestones in the extraordinary life of Mandela.

The delegation then proceeded to Mandela's home in Houghton, where they were met by pupils from various schools who had helped spruce up the pavement with colourful flowers and painted pots with images of Madiba.

The delegation wrote their messages to Mandela on white pebbles and placed them in the garden. They include phrases like, "We love you Madiba" and "You are my inspiration."

Spencer Davies, a student from Kyalami Preparatory School who had gathered outside the house to celebrate the day, said he was going to use the occasion to help look after animals at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

"It is because of his contribution that South Africa has become a different place and I am able to make friends with people from various races," said Davies.

From Houghton it was off to Alexandra, where City Parks, together with mining company African Rainbow Minerals, spent 67 minutes planting 150 trees at River Park. As a symbol of peace and unity, olive trees were among those that were planted.

"In celebrating Tata, Mandela's birth, we are making a commitment of preserving the environment. I urge everyone present hear to take charge of their living spaces. Today not only are we paying tribute to Madiba, but we are taking a step in building better communities," said the mayoral committee member for public safety, Matshidiso Mfikoe.

Potholes

In Protea Glen, in Soweto, the MEC for roads and transport, Ismail Vadi, and his management team filled potholes. They were joined by the Dial Direct Pothole Brigade and hundreds of community members who lent a helping hand.

Vadi also helped paint road markings and erect road signs, as well as cut grass.

"This Mandela Day has given me an opportunity to have a practical experience of what it means to fill a pothole," he said. "This has been a wonderful way of giving back."

At Simelane High School in Dobsonville, a member of Cheesekids, a nationwide volunteer programme linked to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, got dirty painting walls, window and door frames, while others cleaned the school yard on 17 July.

"As young people, we have a responsibility to make a difference in our communities, and we can only achieve that through caring for one another and embracing ubuntu," said Vuyokazi Nkosi, a team leader at Cheesekids.

In Hillbrow, the BG Alexandra Sports Centre was abuzz with activity during the day-long Madiba Soccer Tournament. Scores of people gathered at the centre to watch 22 teams, both ladies and men battled one another.

The atmosphere was energising and electrifying as the teams took to the soccer pitch. After a gruelling tournament, Berea FC beat Parktown FC 2-1 in the men's finals to take home the trophy.

In the women's matches, Madulammogo Stars took on Superstars. They dished out the best entertainment for fans with the flair moves. In the end, Superstars outplayed their opponents with a 3-1 victory.

Source: City of Johannesburg



	Joburg Executive Mayor Parks Tau plants the 93rd tree in the city's Mandela Peace Orchard on Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday, 18 July 2011 (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)