Bold Steps for Mandela Day: A Month of Transformation and Empowerment

On 18 July 1918, a seed of hope was born in the form of Nelson Mandela. Like a resilient Lotus flower that grows from the depths of muddy waters, this seed overcame immense adversity. Mandela, buried deep in the mud of apartheid, blossomed into a beacon of resilience, and reconciliation for South Africa. His life and legacy are celebrated yearly on Mandela Day (18 July), reminding us of the enduring power of hope, strength and transformation.

Why 67 minutes?
The symbolic “67 Minutes” initiative is inspired by the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice, human rights and equality.

The purpose behind celebrating Mandela Day and engaging in various community initiatives is to honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, compassion, and leadership. Inspired by Mandela’s values and the principles upheld by Mrs Bold South Africa, I aim to address critical needs within our community. By participating in these activities, I strive to embody the spirit of service and compassion that Mandela championed, reflecting strength, resilience, community-focused values and a commitment to positively impacting society. My goal is to foster hope and empower individuals, creating a brighter future for all.

Mandela Day Initiative’s Coordinators:
Ms Kele Mokgele – Mrs Bold South Africa 2024 Finalist
Ms Sophy Mohale – BMS Library
Campus Health – Sr Nonky Letsae

This year, we took a different approach by choosing to collaborate with a nearby primary school. We divided the activities among ourselves. Ms Mohale and the crew members went to the shelter, while I focused on the school. To ensure inclusivity and that no one is left behind, we extended the initiative to Mandela Month.

We requested sponsors for Mandela Day well in advance and were met with generous support from various partners. The University of Pretoria’s Medical Campus cafeteria (CPR/AMOR) donated cupcakes for 300 students, bringing joy and a sense of community to these young learners and reminding them of their value. The Faculty of Health Sciences Facilities department at the University of Pretoria also contributed 100 stress balls with meaningful messages for the teachers and the administrative staff of the local primary school that I adopted during Mrs Bold’s campaigns. Additionally, the BMS Library generously provided more than 500 bottles of the “Jar of Hope”, an initiative that extends to local shelters and university students, filled with essential items and uplifting messages.

This initiative embodies the 2024 theme of solidarity and food security in several ways. Due to university recess, the students only received the “Jar of Hope” on the 31st of July due to scheduling conflicts. These acts of kindness have fostered unity and support within our community, aligning with the spirit of Mandela and the values of Mrs Bold South Africa.

Furthermore, there are ongoing discussions between the primary school and the Faculty of Health Sciences to establish a lasting, impactful, and meaningful partnership. This collaboration seeks to address the school’s ongoing needs by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for community engagement. By working together, we can guarantee that the children receive continuous support for their development. There were challenges faced during the planning, which were due to staff members being on leave due to recess. As a result, discussions had to be rescheduled to allow for greater participation and ensure more impactful involvement. This change was communicated to the school to keep them informed and aligned with the revised planning schedule.

These efforts resonate deeply with the values of Mrs Bold South Africa, emphasizing community, resilience, and making a meaningful impact. By extending our initiatives to Mandela Month and fostering collaboration, we embody the spirit of service, compassion, and leadership that both Mandela and Mrs Bold South Africa stand for.

My Personal Journey and Self-Reflection

Mandela Day offers an opportunity not just for giving back, but also for introspection on how one can transform their life and positively impact their community. This year, I have chosen to focus on one of Mandela’s most profound attributes: Leadership. As I continue to heal and grow, I am embracing the importance of cultivating leadership qualities such as resilience, humility, and a steadfast commitment to helping others.

By concentrating on leadership, I aim to develop the courage and strength to overcome challenges and the wisdom to listen and learn from those around me. This personal growth will empower me to lead with integrity and compassion, inspiring those around me and making a positive contribution to my community. Incorporating leadership into my journey involves ongoing self-improvement and reflection. This process includes setting personal goals, seeking mentorship, and engaging in activities that push me to expand my abilities. Through this journey, I hope to embody the values that Mandela championed and lead by example, making am meaningful difference in both my life and the lives of others

The planning phase highlighted the importance of leadership as a key attribute in my personal and professional growth. Effective leadership involves understanding, empathy, perseverance, and the ability to inspire others. This was clear in our efforts. Sharing my fears about potential failure was crucial in managing the new initiative. I openly expressed my concerns, acknowledging the challenge of entering a new area while the team was occupied with other tasks. This transparency fostered reassurance and support from colleagues and mentors, emphasizing the value of effective leadership, teamwork, and mutual support in achieving a common goal.

Also coordinating multiple stakeholders highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of community and ensuring that initiatives were well-received and impactful. Balancing personal growth with community service presented challenges, especially with time management, but ultimately reinforced the value of self-reflection and continuous learning. By integrating these lessons, I aim to lead with greater empathy and strength, aligning with the values of Nelson Mandela and Mrs Bold South Africa. This approach will guide my personal and community-focused endeavors, ensuring that I contribute meaningfully and inspire others to do the same.

Conclusion
Mandela Day is more than a date on the calendar, it is a call to action. Let us aspire to be like Nelson Mandela, dedicating more than 67 minutes of our lives to helping others. May we value harmony, become sources of light and hope, and inspire the new generation to be agents of change. Standing together, despite our differences, with the common goal of helping one another. Let us make Mandela Month a period of profound impact and transformation!
We can keep Mandela‘s vision alive and relevant for generations to come, “67 Minutes” at a time.

Happy Mandela Month.