Media Statement
18 July 2012
DIRCO celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day
In celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will give up 67 minutes of their time in service of others.
The theme for Mandela Day 2012 is “Take Action. Inspire Change. Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”
In keeping with the theme, DIRCO will visit Itereleng Primary School in Hammanskraal, Temba, and will undertake the following community service:
- Cleaning of classrooms
- Planting a vegetable garden
- Overall maintenance
- Reading for the learners
DIRCO will also visit the Second Chance Recovery Centre in Mamelodi, a drug rehabilitation facility, to hand over a donation in the form of much-needed fire-fighting equipment. In addition, DIRCO has volunteered to paint the Centre and plant a vegetable garden.
In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July, President Mandela’s birthday, as ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’.
In honour of President Mandela’s birthday, the international community will observe a day of service in his honour.
People around the world are encouraged to give 67 minutes of their time to serve others in their communities. Sixty-seven minutes refers to the years of service and sacrifice President Mandela gave to the cause of freedom for the people of South Africa and whose life had been the ultimate definition of peace, both in South Africa and throughout the world.
DIRCO wishes President Mandela a happy 94th birthday today.
For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974
Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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