Wednesday 19 June 2013 marked the launch of the fourth Nelson Mandela International Day.
I was fortunate enough to attend the launch event, held at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Houghton, Johannesburg, along with Flow media developer Kate Rau.
Being my first time covering such an event, I was extremely nervous (there’s something about approaching people to photograph them that is a bit daunting) as well as excited.
Nelson Mandela International Day is about doing something for others and giving back to the community; it is about the spirit of ubuntu, and individuals taking action globally and helping change the world for the better.
And judging by the speeches of some of the guests – who included 5FM DJ Gareth Cliff, well-known TV and radio personality Bonang Matheba and Nelson Mandela’s great-grandchild, Luvuyo Mandela – Mr Mandela’s hope of having future generations continue the spirit of Nelson Mandela International Day is in safe hands.
Sello Hatang, new CEO of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, told the audience that Mr Mandela doesn’t want to be remembered by bronze statues, monuments or buildings – he wants his name and legacy to live on by future generations giving back to society the way he did.
Luvuyo Mandela quoted his great-grandfather with an extract from Mr Mandela’s book, Conversations with Myself. Luvuyo not only highlighted the qualities of those who do good deeds every day – and not just on Mandela Day – he also reminded the audience that “a readiness to serve others” is what is required to inspire a global movement for good.
Other notable guests included Nelson Mandela’s great-grandchild Mbuso Mandela; Kamogelo Kekana, who is the new face of Cheesekids for Humanity, a youth volunteer movement; Achmat Dangor, the outgoing CEO of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory; and Power FM DJ Rudeboy Paul.
On a personal level, the event went very well and I certainly hope it’s not the last media conference I attend while at Flow.