What Does Mandela Day mean? Voices from the street

With Mandela Day approaching on Friday, 18 July, Bolander took to the streets to find out what local residents think about the day and how they plan to mark it.

According to information on the Nelson Mandela Foundation's website, Mandela Day, officially declared by the United Nations in 2009, encourages people to spend 67 minutes doing good for others — a minute for every year Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service.

Shamiema Rogan from Strand said she was familiar with the day and its purpose. “The day is to celebrate Mandela’s legacy,” she said. While she has no plans this year, she hopes to take part in future. “I would love to visit a shelter and maybe give the children something to eat or toys to play with. If you can lend a hand to someone, then why not do it.”

Andre Kotze, a retired police officer from Gordon’s Bay, said he had seen hardship first-hand. “I worked in the streets as part of the K9 Maitland dog unit. We saw the poverty. In many cases, we connected with social workers and tried to assist.” For him, helping orphaned children remains a priority. “They have no one else if they don’t have parents,” he said.

Some residents were less familiar with the initiative. Anele Ntlabathi from Strand said, “I don’t know what it is.” But when told about the purpose, she said she would consider helping street children. “I will buy food or bread for these children that stay outside in the streets of Strand. I want to give them something to eat.”

Joe Petersen, 21, from Strand, said he was aware of the day’s significance. “I know it’s a day where you give back to people of the country to try and help people in need.” While he hasn’t made any plans, he said, “The choir I’m in is releasing a song in tribute of Mandela Day.” He added that if given the opportunity, he would support a feeding scheme or contribute to his church.

Twelve-year-old Marcelino Beukes from Temple Primary in Strand learnt about Mandela Day at school. “The people go out to give food or soup,” he said. He added, “I will want to hand out food to the poor people where we live.”

One man from Blue Downs, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed mixed feelings. “Initially I was like the rest of the community who accepted that Mandela Day is a good story, you know, people doing good out of their hearts. But now I feel that his name is being misused.” Still, he believes in individual acts of kindness. “If I see a street child doesn’t have food, I can help him with a meal — and for me, that’s a start.”

He added that he prefers to act quietly. “If my boss asks what we should do for Mandela Day, I normally say nothing because I do my own thing. It shouldn’t just be about doing good for one day and then forgetting about the needy.”

He also raised concerns about corruption. “Funds meant to relieve the needs of the poor are misused, and that results in more crime, because criminals often steal out of desperation.” Despite this, he said, “I’m positive about South Africa — it’s a beautiful country — but if I look at the future, it looks bleak.”

Young people shared their views as well. Bonolo Likotsi, 19, from Eerste River, said: “I know it’s a day that commemorates Mandela, what he did and how he helped people. That’s why many people help others on the day.” She plans to help out at her church.

Tatiana Kamba, 19, from Strand, said: “I know that Mandela fought for us and our freedom. Now we are able to go to places without feeling unwelcome.” She would like to help at an orphanage. “I’ll teach the kids how to read and write,” she said.

Her friend Kevine Bunga, 18, said she would prefer to buy food for homeless people.