The celebration of Mandela Day aims to serve as a global call to action for people to "recognise their individual power to make an imprint and help change the world around them for the better" the Nelson Mandela Foundation said at the launch of the campaign in April 2009. Nelson Mandela feels honoured if the day is utilized to bring together people to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation.
As stated by former US president Bill Clinton: "The power of public good does not require public office, just a well-placed heart and a determined mind.”
It cannot be stated any clearer than in Nelson Mandela’s words: “You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than you will through acts of retribution.”
This year on Mandela Day, 67 minutes were dedicated to four schools in the township - more than 2000 children were served soup and bread. Shirts and shoes were donated to four schools. The ministry also embarked on a program of touching one school a month; ministering to educators; sharing leadership skills and encouraging them in their important task of influencing children. The 18th July will forever inspire us to be burdened with the plight of the needy. It is a day of lending a helping hand and doing good to those who are in need. The church in particular has an important role to play in participating in activities of doing good to the destitute and the needy. As is the command in Mark 12:29-31 “The most important commandment is this: „Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength.‟ The second is equally important: ‟Love your neighbor as yourself.‟ No other commandment is greater than these.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart . . .for God loves a cheerful giver.” Victory Ministries International did “a practical demonstration of the gospel” by providing a warm meal of soup and bread to learners at four township schools. As we quote Madiba: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
A total of 2750 learners were served with soup and bread in New Brighton and in Motherwell. The soup was prepared at the schools by Nomfezeko and David Mabhele, Nobulali Mbali, Buyiswa Keseni, Siphokazi Lugodlo, Lulama Shogole, Nomalizo Joni, Pumla Mavikela and Tembisa September who are all members of Victory Ministries and had availed their time for such purpose. They were assisted by some of the teachers at the schools.
Two schools were chosen from the New Brighton area and two schools were from the Motherwell area. Masangwana Higher Primary School (250 learners) in New Brighton has learners from Grade R to Grade seven. The learners’ parents are mostly single parents who are unemployed or are themselves still at school. The learners come from poverty-stricken homes and the basic need of food is sometimes not fully met.
Ithembelihle High (800 learners) is a High School that is mainly attended by learners from the settlement areas of Chris Hani, Red Location and Kwazakhele. Most of the learners are from homes where unemployment is the order of the day and a proper balanced meal is a luxury.
The other two schools were from Motherwell: Siyaphambili Higher Primary School (500 learners) and Douglas Mbopa High School (1200 learners). The same conditions as in the New Brighton area exist. A further concern is that many of the learners come from child-headed homes. The principals, teachers and learners were all equally surprised to have been spared a thought on the historic day. They appreciated much that they had also received a kind gesture on Mandela Day.
Having been one of those who visited some of the schools, I could not but notice how we manage to live past one another day-by-day and not lift a finger to ease the other’s burden. What happened at the schools was not only ministry to those who were served with soup, but also to those who were serving them. There are so many areas in which we could make a difference in others’ lives. The service provided by Victory Ministries was for only 67 minutes, but so many faces were lit up with smiles. What an imprint it would make in many hearts and societies if more of us could get involved in these acts of goodwill and sow love and care for just 67 minutes.
We can do more to bring about change.
REACH FOR THE TOP, THE BOTTOM IS OVERCROWDED - JEROME LIBERTY
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