Giving children a day of fun

Treat every day like it is Mandela Day, was the recurring message at two children-focused Mandela Day events in Pietermaritzburg. Children from the Joseph Baynes Children’s Home and Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home were treated to a special day of care, play, and celebration yesterday.

The event was the initiative of the management team of Symphony by the Waters – a one-day eclectic music festival to be held on the banks of Midmar Dam in the company of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests, on Saturday 4 October.   

The Symphony by the Waters project called on the generosity of Pietermaritzburg residents and local businesses to support a Mandela Day initiative at the two children’s care homes.

“We know times are difficult for many, but even a small contribution can make an enormous difference in the lives of these children,” said Njabulo Shangase from Symphony by the Waters. “Of course, investing in community projects should be top of mind for 365 days of the year; however Mandela Day is about collective action, and this is an opportunity for all of us to be part of something meaningful. Mandela was known for his love of children. We want to honour him on the day that the country sets aside to remember his life and legacy,” he said.

Mandela Day is an annual global celebration that takes place every year on Mandela’s birthday on 18 July. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. This year's Nelson Mandela International Day will be celebrated under the theme: “It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

Collectively, the Joseph Baynes Children’s Home and Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home provide shelter and support for about 160 children, from new babies to young adults. Organisers appealed for donations of essential supplies. Pmb corporates and members of the public came forward with an abundance of useful goods for the children. 

The Symphony by the Waters project understands the notion of community investment. “As local residents and businesspeople, we are wanting to develop meaningful long-term connections and broad investments with the city on multiple levels. We believe that helping children on Mandela Day would be a good starting point for this vision,” said Shangase. “Our intention for later in the year, is to stage a public dialogue during Women’s Month and the concert in October. This is the first phase of our project,” he said. 

At the heart of this initiative is a partnership with Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Honourable Mmapaseka Steve Letsike who has dedicated decades to championing the rights of women, young people, and persons living with disabilities. VIP guests at the event were KZN MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mntumuhle Khawula ; Msunduzi Municipality Speaker,  Cllr Eunice Majola, Leaders from the Salvation Army, and business personality, Themba Ndhlovu, CEO of SBD Business Systems.