The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) celebrated Mandela Day, with a wreath laying ceremony and other fun-filled activities at Thokoza Park, Soweto, on Friday, 15 July 2022. JCPZ honoured the legacy of our former president by taking action and inspiring change. As part of the day’s activities JCPZ invited the children from Little Dynamites Day Care to sing for him.
This also marked an auspicious moment for the children and the community of Soweto to be at the very tree in Thokoza Park that was planted by the hands of Nelson Mandela.
“We all know that our father tata Nelson Mandela, was very fond of children and invested his life in making sure that our country is well taken care of, be it parks, or the environment as a whole. So let’s continue where he left off to make sure that the City of Johannesburg remains at its best standard,” said Ward 33 Councillor Nompumelelo Mazibuko.
The City also visited the community of Zola, Soweto at Eco Park and Dr Vilakazi Secondary School to assist with cleaning the grounds. This was done by the team while motivating residents to participate in the 67 minutes activities for Mandela.
The celebration of Mandela Day is very significant because it serves as a global call to action for people to recognize the power they hold within themselves and change the world they live in.
Mandela Day was inspired by Nelson Mandela at his 90th birthday celebration at London’s Hyde Park in 2008 when he said “It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.”
The focus of 67 minutes for Madiba originates from the number of years he spent in the public service, 67 years through the struggle and in search of social justice hence the City decided to celebrate its 67 minutes where Mandela once planted a tree.
“The 18 of July is very significant in a sense that Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the emancipation of our people but moreover, to human rights and reconciliation. It is always important for us to try and make sure that we always remember this day and dedicate ourselves to doing right and some charitable work towards our people,” said Acting Regional Director of Region D, Lali Mohlabane.
Further celebrations taking place this year included the A Re Sebesteng campaign. It is a monthly volunteer cleanup campaign aimed at instilling a sense of pride and leadership in the City’s public spaces.
The Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, visited the community of Rose Park in Rose Avenue, Lenasia, to lead the campaign on this year’s Madiba Day. She was accompanied by Members of the Mayoral Committee as well as entities and community members who were all eager to get their hands dirty for 67 minutes.
The main call to action was focused on getting the basics right through service delivery activities, promoting community backyard gardens as well as creating awareness of the intersections between food security and climate change.
Written by Gontse ‘GeE’ Hlophe
18/07/2022