As the curtain comes down on Mandela Month, the Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, hopes to make the #ReadForMandela Book Donation Drive an official project of the Speaker’s office, believing such initiatives create a more informed and compassionate society aligned with Mandela’s ideals.
The inaugural #ReadForMandela book donation drive, launched on 5 July by Cllr Arnolds, has been a resounding success. The campaign, honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela, aimed to promote literacy and access to educational resources in underserved communities.
Concluded on 26 July, the drive collected 413 books in three weeks. Cllr Arnolds highlighted the importance of reading in fostering empowerment and social progress, stating: “This is more than just a call to action; it is a movement to perpetuate Nelson Mandela’s vision of an educated, empowered society.”
The donated books were handed over to the Apostolic Faith Mission in Finetown, which has operated a community study hub for the past five years. Pastor Thabo Motlhabi expressed gratitude for the donation. “Our vision is not only about the church but the development of the community as well. We thank the Speaker of Council, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, for choosing us as the beneficiaries of her programme,” said Pastor Motlhabi.
By contributing to this drive, people like Basetsana Kaunda, a public relations student at Unisa and Miss Jozi finalist have become part of a global effort to bridge educational gaps and foster a brighter future for all.
Cllr Arnolds said reading plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycles of poverty and promoting sustainable development. That is why she hopes to turn the #ReadForMandela Book Donation Drive as an official project of the Office of the Speaker of Council.
“The development of such initiatives helps create a more informed, compassionate, and empowered society, reflecting the ideals that Madiba stood for throughout his life. In his memory, let us continue to champion the transformative power of education and reading for all,” Cllr Arnolds.
Written by Vusi Gumbi
31/07/2024
Facebook: [City of Joburg] (https://www.facebook.com/CityofJoburg)
Instagram: [@CityofJoburg] (https://www.instagram.com/CityofJoburg)
TikTok: [@CityofJoburg] (https://www.tiktok.com/@CityofJoburg)
LinkedIn: [City of Johannesburg] (https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-johannesburg)
YouTube: [City of Johannesburg] (https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos)
Joburg Pulse Radio: [Listen Now] (https://s3.radio.co/s349cd1429/listen)