Johannesburg is abuzz with activity this week as entities and regions across the city celebrate Nelson Mandela Day with a diverse range of events and initiatives. These activities honour the legacy of the iconic leader and encourage residents to dedicate their time to giving back.
The city is participating in a multitude of community service projects, educational workshops, and cultural outreach programmes. The message is clear: dedicate at least 67 minutes of your time to making a positive difference.
The City of Johannesburg Transport Department, encompassing the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Metrobus, and Rea Vaya, joined the global effort on Thursday, 18 July 2024. Their efforts spanned across all seven city regions.
“In the spirit of Madiba’s lifelong dedication to service, the Transport Department will be joining hands across the city on this special day to make a positive impact in our communities,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Cllr Kenny Kunene.
JRA focused on essential road maintenance tasks, including pothole patching, kerb inlet clearing, road marking, and minor construction projects. Metrobus hosted a delightful morning for pre-registered, loyal senior commuters. This included a special free breakfast and a visit to the Johannesburg Zoo. Rea Vaya also joined the celebration by decorating buses and stations with a private sector-sponsored Mandela Day message, further raising awareness of the day’s significance.
Additionally, 20 free transport cards were distributed at the Johannesburg School of Autism. This initiative highlights Rea Vaya’s commitment to providing free transportation for disabled people during off-peak hours. The team also joined MMC Kunene in donating sanitary towels to female students at Doornkop Secondary School in Soweto.
MMC Kunene echoed the essence of Mandela Day: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
City Parks and Zoo celebrates with green initiatives
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) also participated in numerous celebratory efforts. The festivities commenced with a wreath-laying and tree-planting ceremony at Thokoza Park on Wednesday, 17 July. Children from a nearby crèche performed, and attendees were encouraged to write messages of hope on white pebbles.
JCPZ issued an annual call to action, urging residents, businesses, and community organisations to come together and clean, beautify, and green public spaces. This includes areas like the verge adjacent to one’s home.
The Friends of The Wilds responded positively, indicating that many community groups across the city have installed benches and murals dedicated to Nelson Mandela as part of International Mandela Day 2024.
“JCPZ extends its gratitude to every initiative and individual who continues to give so much to keeping our city clean, green, and vibrant,” said Jenny Moodley, spokesperson at JCPZ. “We also thank the Friends of The Wilds for revitalising this vital green space in the heart of the city, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.”
Other JCPZ activities included the Zoo Trot (a fun run) held the previous day, as well as clean-up initiatives, grass cutting, and educational projects across various regions.
The Department of Social Development and Community Development also participated in food packing, education, and awareness programmes throughout Johannesburg.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph and Brümilda Swartbooi
19/07/2024
To stay informed about the latest developments in the City, connect with us:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos
Joburg Pulse Radio: [Listen Now] (https://s3.radio.co/s349cd1429/listen)