THE city is looking spotless after various Buffalo City communities spent 67 minutes making a change to their worlds.

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated around the world on Mandela's birthday – he turned 92 on 18 July. On the day, people are encouraged to spend 67 minutes in the service of others. Activities kicked off in Buffalo City on Friday morning, 16 July, with a cleanup campaign in Breidbach, near King William's Town.

Over 100 volunteers gathered at the Breidbach Cemetery, joined by councillors and municipal employees, for the clean up. Volunteers picked up litter, painted walls and decorated the yard, cutting grass and cleaning the ablution block.

Speaking to the volunteers and those who had dedicated their 67 minutes to the campaign, Acting Executive Mayor Melindawo Mhani said one of the reasons the Breidbach Cemetery had been considered for the programme was because in her State of the City speech on 10 June, the executive mayor had said that the area had been neglected for over a year.

Grass was also overgrown along the main roads. "The people of the area last saw a dedicated grass-cutting programme in November 2007."

Mhani said the area had been a challenge for the City, but now it was set to make a change in the lives of the people of Breidbach. "We must continue making a change every day. This initiative doesn't end here – it should be an everyday thing."

Terence Fritz, a ward councillor, took part in the cleanup. He said the community was impressed by the City's initiative to beautify the area, while using people from Breidbach "to make sure that the work is done according to what they expect".

He emphasised that Nelson Mandela Day was about promoting goodwill and change. "To mark the day and be active participants we came here to change the face of our community."

In its Nelson Mandela Day activities, the City joined forces with various stakeholders, including the provincial departments of social development, and safety and liaison; and the South African Local Government Association (Salga).

There was also a programme at the Masizakhe Children's Home in Mdantsane, where the City handed play equipment to children. Volunteers cut grass and beautified the home's garden.

Salga's provincial executive officer, Chris Magwangqana, said: "This is the day to give back to your communities and to show the world how much we appreciate the sacrifice Madiba made for the country."

It was a time to strengthen people who did not have faith and make a difference to destitute people. Children from the home also received various gifts, including stationery and goodie bags.