The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, will lead the Nelson Mandela Day activities at Umyezo 2 Primary School in Grabouw, Theewaterskloof Local Municipality and Kleinmond Primary School in Kleinmond, Overstrand Local Municipality, on 18 July 2023.
Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on 18 July every year in honour of the first democratically elected President of South Africa, the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The United Nations officially declared the day in November 2009, and it was first formally celebrated in 2010.
The call to action for Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 is “It is in Your Hands.”
Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.”
This year, the focus is on dismantling poverty and inequality by taking action against climate change and creating resilient food environments.
During the event, Minister Barbara Creecy will be engaging in various activities aimed at making a positive impact in the lives of learners and the environment. The Minister will personally hand over essential items such as school shoes, sanitary towels, and school desks, to support indigent learners and provide them with a conducive learning environment.
Additionally, Minister Creecy will lead a tree-planting activity , aligning with the President’s 10 Million Trees campaign, which promotes the planting and maintenance of indigenous trees throughout South Africa, especially in disadvantaged communities facing water scarcity and barren landscapes.
It is worth noting that the desks provided for the school are made from biomass derived from cleared Invasive Alien Plants and manufactured at the DFFE Eco Furniture factory located in George. This innovative initiative not only tackles the issue of invasive species but also generates employment opportunities and fosters the production of value-added products.
Members of the media are invited to join the Minister as follows:
Activity 1
Venue: Umyezo 2 Primary School, Grabouw
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
The Minister will handover:
School Desks
School Shoes
Sanitary Towels
Gardening Tools Wheelie Bins
Conduct a Clean-up of the School
Tree Planting
Activity 2
Venue: Kleinmond Primary School, Kleinmond
Time: 13:45 – 15:00
The Minister will handover:
Borehole
To RSVP, please contact Merle van Diemel on 083 301 9400 / [email protected](link sends e-mail)
For media enquiries, contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
Source: Government of South Africa