By Anlé Britz
Over the last 37 years, we have been celebrating the father figure of South Africa by dedicating 67 minutes of the day (18 July, former President Nelson Mandela’s birthday) to give back to the our country. While there is great debate on if this day still carry relevance after all these years, the message remains powerful. Be kind and share what you have.
Slowly, but surely as we are emerging and rising form the remains of COVID, we might have a little less to share. And this year’s theme is to do what you can, with what you have, where you are. An accumulation of small acts of kindness, sharing your time, your skills and your resources is what we need to shine light in making a difference. Poverty, pain, illness and war is all around us and when you view our country form a birds eye view, the view is quite grim. It is certain that we have many children growing up on the streets, our electrical power availability is under huge pressure, water is limited and food and transport costs are the highest it has ever been.
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
However hospitality, kindness and hope flows through our veins. Our country and her people are forever optimists and invest time and effort in making our country a better place for our future generations to live in. In celebration of this year’s theme, we acknowledge that all our problems will not dissolve overnight, but a little goes a long way. Mandela has taught us that if you fight for what you believe in and pay it forward, we can make a change. Integrity, transparency and grace is the cornerstones on what we should build our lives, businesses, relationships and country on.
Stop hiding away from behind the wall of blame and accusations on what others do -not do… stand in the sun and let your light shine where the shadows of tall walls reach. Tell the truth, reach out a hand for one that reaches out to you, buy an extra bread, share a smile, greet in kindness, bless in love and share your skills and knowledge. YOU are a resource yoruself with all that you are, have and can give. You have a golden opportunity here – how are you making a difference?