Celebrating Mandela: Voices from across generations

On Friday the world will observe Nelson Mandela International Day, a time when people are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to community service—honouring Mandela’s 67 years of fighting for social justice.

The day also marks the birthday of the late former president of South Africa.

In Cape Town's northern suburbs, residents reflected on the significance of Nelson Mandela International Day.

Veli Dube, an e-hailing driver from Highbury, said he was particularly inspired by Mandela’s ability to forgive.

“After spending many years in prison fighting for the liberation of the people, we all assumed that when he came out, he might seek revenge or violence. But instead, he united the nation — white, black, Indian, and coloured. That’s the most powerful lesson I’ve learned from him: that reconciliation and moving forward are what’s truly important for humanity,” he said.

He would not be participating in any activities on the day as he would be working, he said.

Charlene Borens, 23, from Klapmuts, said the simple values of the late statesman, such as greeting others, are no longer upheld in society.

“People do not acknowledge each other anymore, yet that was the first thing he wanted.”

A 20-year-old man from Wesbank said they used to plant trees at school during Mandela Day, but this time he will be working on the day. 

He believed there was no need to dedicate a day to a human being, no matter how important the person is, because “times have changed”. 

“It should be part of our natural being to help; we should not need 67 minutes on a special day. I know they want to uplift his legacy, but times have changed. There has been fragmentation in the communities,” he said.  

Sadiyah Mouton, 32, from Kuils River, said she was willing to take part in events that aim to give back to the community, but she would not because she will be looking after her small baby.

"The good lessons from Nelson Mandela are that there should be equality between people — it doesn’t matter what colour you are, and you can be anywhere in the world,” she said.

“He also fought for Palestinians because they are struggling in their own land."

Lilian Liedeman, 65, from Kuils River, said she is part of a group at the Brackenfell Methodist Church that has been knitting products for two years, to be donated to people in need.

“The government is not taking Nelson Mandela's legacy seriously, and unfortunately, there is little that people can do,” she said.

Warren Kiewiets, 42, from Ravensmead, was looking forward to making a difference on Mandela Day.

“I will be participating in a soup kitchen in Ravensmead, dishing for kids there. Nelson Mandela advocated for all the right stuff, but they have been neglected after his passing.

“Things have become worse. In my day, kids were not as rude as today’s children. You now have gangsters at schools. The laws have changed, but not for the benefit of mothers and fathers,” he said.

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