Today is Mandela Day in South Africa, a day that used to buzz with activity and celebration. But now? It’s like watching paint dry except no one has really volunteered to paint and renovate anything from where I’m standing.
I mean, where are the ladies knitting squares for quilts this year? Aside from BP announcing a fun walk, my inbox has seen more action from spam emails than from companies announcing their Mandela Day intentions. Everyone seems far more fixed on the announcement of the repo rate adjustments later today… quite poorly timed if you ask me.
Read: SA’s hopes likely to be dashed as economist predicts repo rate to remain unchanged
Mandela Day, for the uninitiated, is celebrated every July 18 in honour of Nelson Mandela’s birthday. It was established to encourage everyone to take action and inspire change, dedicating 67 minutes of their time to public service, representing the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice. It’s a day meant to embody the spirit of selflessness and community that Mandela exemplified.
Early days
In its early days, Mandela Day was a sight to behold. As a young journalist, I was out there with my colleagues, not just writing about the change but physically making it happen. I remember holding spades, digging trenches, and laying the foundations for houses. There was an unmistakable sense of camaraderie. We were united by the sacrifices of one man who had secured our generation’s freedom, making our own sacrifices feel like a walk in the park.
We weren’t just passive observers; we were active participants. I recall painting school walls, planting trees, and even organizing food drives. It wasn’t just about the act itself, but the coming together of people from all walks of life to honor Mandela’s legacy. The joy, the laughter, and the sense of purpose were infectious.
But today? It’s as if Mandela Day has become a relic of the past. The enthusiasm has waned, and the spirit of the day seems lost on the current generation. There is a sense of complacency, as if the hard-won freedoms we enjoy are now taken for granted. Mandela Day has become just another date on the calendar, with fewer people stepping up to contribute.
Orignal intent of Mandela Day
It’s disheartening to see how far we’ve drifted from the original intent of Mandela Day. The day that once brought us together in collective action now barely raises a whisper. Have we become so wrapped up in our digital lives that we’ve forgotten the importance of real-world impact?
We need to reignite the spirit of Mandela Day. Remember the sacrifices that brought us to this point and renew our commitment to building a better future. Let’s not let Mandela Day fade into obscurity like an outdated meme. Instead, let’s revive the passion and purpose that once defined it, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the significance of this day. After all, if we can’t get excited about Mandela Day, what hope do we have for celebrating anything else with meaning?
