As Nelson Mandela once said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” In honour of his enduring legacy, the Light from Africa Foundation (LFA) in collaboration with XAIRU Foundation NPC, Suurbraak Municipal Library, Swellendam Municipality, Suurbraak Primary School and SAPS, is proud to be hosting a series of events, that celebrate his life and values in the Overberg municipality.
On Thursday, 18th July, we will host a reading and storytelling session during the assembly about Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy at Suurbraak Primary School. This event aims to inspire and educate young minds about the values of resilience, forgiveness, and compassion that Mandela embodied. By nurturing a love for reading and storytelling, we hope to instill a lifelong appreciation for learning and community service in the students.
Friday, 19th July, will focus on a community clean-up in Suurbraak, where volunteers will work together to restore the natural beauty of the surrounding river and village. This initiative not only promotes environmental stewardship but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among residents. This will also coincide with a coordinated soup drive between the various community soup kitchens in the area, with soup meals being distributed to the surrounding communities.
In a gesture of appreciation and respect, our Mandela Day activities will culminate with a special seniors tea for 67 elders from the community on Saturday, 20th July. This event is a tribute to Mandela’s 67 years of service to humanity and provides an opportunity for elders to share their stories, wisdom, and experiences, enriching the younger generation with their insights.
In addition to the activities in Suurbraak, we are also organising events in Cape Town that will mirror the spirit of Mandela Day. LFA is set to host two transformative workshops aimed at empowering individuals and creating a lasting impact in the Hanover Park and Langa areas. These mind, body, and soul workshops are designed to bring communities together, fostering unity, positivity, and engagement during these challenging times. Workshop details are as follows:
The first workshop will take place on Thursday, 18 July in collaboration with Vannie Hanover Park from 08h30 until 11am at the Hanover Park Community Centre. This will be followed by the second workshop with Project Playground in Langa that will run from 3h30 until 5h30. These interactive sessions will include fun workout and dance sequences, motivational talks and group sessions allowing participants to share stories and to get to know each other better.
We invite everyone to be a part of our Mandela Day activities. Whether you volunteer your time, share a story, or simply spread the word, together, we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
