Remembering an icon – celebrate the Mandela centenary
The 18th of July 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela. This is an opportune time for each of us to reignite our commitment to do good and heed the call of the Nelson Mandela Foundation to “be the legacy” as we reflect on the life of a true icon.
At his inauguration in Pretoria in 1994, Mandela said: “Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.”
He added: “We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success.We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.”
Twenty-four years later, his call to action rings as true as ever.
Playing our part
MPR had the absolute privilege of playing a small role in the 1994 Presidential Inauguration celebrations. The luncheon held at the Presidency was the largest gathering of heads of state the world had seen and it all took place in a marquee the size of a rugby field. We commissioned a local manufacturer to create the marquee in the space of just three days.
It was at this momentous luncheon that the then-UN Secretary General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali welcomed South Africa make into the global community saying: “Today, South Africa regained its rightful place in Africa, in the UN and the family of nations. South Africa has earned the respect and admiration of all; tireless in search of understanding, and vigorous in pursuit of peace. You have refused to let difficulties defeat you.”
Through the years following Mandela’s inauguration, MPR was lucky to have the opportunity to be involved in providing our services for weddings, book launches and many other events Mandela and his family hosted.
Get inspired
This year, as we mark the Mandela Centenary, we encourage you to think of different ways you can make an impact in your community. The beauty of Mandela Day, 67 Minutes and the Mandela Centenary as a whole, lies in the fact that it is left entirely up to us as citizens to decide what to do and how to do it. It’s about considering how each of us can make an impact in our respective communities and reaching out to those in need.
You can organise your own fundraiser, throw your own Madiba-inspired party for the children and families in your area, create a pop-up soup kitchen, volunteer at a local charity, do something special for the elderly – the possibilities are endless. Even small actions can make a world of difference to someone else. You can join the Mandela Day community and find more ideas on how to play your parthere.
Need help planning your charity event?
We’d love to help you plan and organise your Mandela Day celebrations and any other charity events throughout the year. Our team has decades of experience in pulling together all elements for functions of all types and sizes and love the opportunity to put our expertise to work for good causes. Whether you need catering equipment, marquees, crockery or more, get in touch for a quote.