By Tabisa Mntengwana
17 July 2009

YOUNGSTERS in Mdantsane will spend Mandela Day tomorrow cleaning the Mtsotso Cemetery as a sign of respect to the former president and world icon.

Nelson Mandela turns 91 on 18 July, and around the world people are joining in the celebrations on the day that has become known as Mandela Day.

Cleaning will kick off at 8am on Saturday, with the youth being ferried from various stations to Mtsotso Cemetery.

Organised by Buffalo City, the Eastern Cape Youth Commission, Rhweboluhle Construction Company and the National Youth Service, at least 100 youngsters will clean the cemetery for a minimum of 67 minutes. They will collect rubbish and remove weeds.

“The youth will be provided with plastic bags, gloves and cleaning bibs," says the commission. “The clean-up campaign is set as a sign of respect to some of our fallen heroes and giving back to the community on this noble day."

After the clean-up, the youth will be taken to Mdantsane City Mall in NU6.

Mandela Day celebrates the idea that individuals have the power to bring about change. People have been urged around the world to spend 67 minutes doing something for the good of humanity and the planet. This marks the 67 years Mandela devoted to the fight for human rights.

The City will sponsor the event by providing spades, rakes and cutting machines. “I want to see the youth give back to the community and encourage them to take part in what Mandela stood for," explained local entrepreneur, Thamsanqa Mbambo, one of the sponsors.

"Mr Mandela has spent 67 years making the world a better place. We're asking you for 67 minutes," reads the Mandela Day website.

“A prisoner for 27 years, an activist for 67 years, an inspiration for 91 years," records a video clip on the website.

And according to a press release issued by the City, Mandela has devoted his life to peacefully fighting for freedom and social justice for all.

Activities on the day will include a boxing tournament at the Mdantsane City Mall, where youngsters will showcase their talents to the public. The amateur boxing tournament will start at 10am, and is dedicated to the former president, who was a keen boxer in his youth.

Along with the winners of the boxing, Buffalo City will hand out medals and sponsored kits to the winners of the Amathole Mayors Cup, a soccer and netball tournament.

The Mandela Day website has a page where people from all continents have indicated what they will be doing for 67 minutes on the day. You can leave your Mandela Day imprint on the page.

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