DIRCO’s Nelson Mandela International Day Celebration Initiative

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will - guided by the message of “being service to others” partner with Imbumba Aganang Private Party (Pty) Ltd (IAPP - join hands in celebrating the life and times of former President Nelson Mandela’s 92nd birthday on 19 July 2010.

As every South African identifies and commits time and effort to the legacy of this great man, DIRCO staff and workers of Imbumba will equally contribute to this national effort by providing the necessary improvements at Saulridge High School situated at the Atteridgeville Township outside Pretoria. Saulridge High School, whose motto is “Scientia est Potentia” or “Knowledge is Power” had the best matric results in Atteridgeville last year in the face of adversity.

Saulridge High School, boasting 1047 learners and 36 qualified teachers are all doing their best, albeit in an environment full of challenges. DIRCO and Imbumba wishes to commit its support to the creation of a conducive and fertile environment for proper teaching and learning. In this regard, the partnership between DIRCO and IAPP will see both sending volunteers to the school on Monday July 19, 2010 to do some repainting, flooring the classrooms, rebuilding dilapidated classrooms and decorating the school – in an effort bring more hope in the lives of these deserving pupils.

In the words of DIRCO’s Director General, Dr Ntsaluba “It is an honour for DIRCO to assist Saulridge High School who have shown commitment in uplifting the lives of pupils around its vicinity by providing excellent education against all odds”. Speaking on behalf of IAPP, Brenda Madumise said “IAPP was more than happy to stretch the 67 minutes to seven hours of service, noting that Nelson Mandela spent his entire life in the service of this country”. 

Although the Nelson Mandela International Day requires 67 minutes of selfless charity to a cause from all South Africans, the DIRCO and IAPP’s programme will begin at 09h00 and end at 15h00. This partnership argues that Nelson Mandela has been more than an inspiration to our young democracy, for he is a man who used words to change minds and deeds to change hearts – Tata Madiba is a man who embraced forgiveness in order to transform the minds of the oppressor and lift the hopes of the oppressed.

We thank you Madiba for teaching us that the price we pay to life, is to be of service to all mankind!

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Public Diplomacy Branch
OR Tambo Building
Private Bag X 152
Pretoria
0001

July 18, 2010