'Be the Legacy' and Make Every Day a Mandela Day!
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rom comrade to leader, prisoner to negotiator, head statesmen to global peace champion, this July 18th sees us celebrating what would have been Mandela's 100th birthday, an extraordinary milestone for South Africa and the world. Mandela Day is a global call to action, with the realization that every individual has the power to make a positive difference. The Centenary celebrations aim to commemorate Madiba's universal message of forgiveness and the ethos of Ubuntu, which he helped cultivate. The term Ubuntu is taken from a Zulu word, loosely defined as ‘humanity’. It has affectionately become a South African term for ‘giving’ and has often been translated to mean, “I am because we are”. Ubuntu is a cultural state of being, a unifying force, irrespective of race, creed or orientation, transcending this sentiment into many other countries in the world. Locally, Madiba Fridays, a Cape Town initiative is one such example of giving back. On the last Friday of every month, all schools, faiths and sectors are encouraged to join hands and actively participate in being of service to those in need. It is our wish at South African Airways (SAA) that the spirit of Ubuntu speaks loudly this July, from our organization into every airport, home, business and public sector, as we endeavor to connect Africa to the world, and the world to Africa. Spear-heading the Centenary celebrations is The Nelson Mandela Foundation (www.nelsonmandela. org/index.php), which has invited every South African to play their part, encouraging every individual to “Be the Legacy” this year. The Foundation will be participating in at least 50 projects to celebrate Mandela’s Centenary, no small feat, but in the words of the great Madiba: “It always seems impossible, until it’s done.”
Mr. Sello Hatang, CEO of The Nelson Mandela Foundation was quoted as saying: “It is important that we use the capabilities we have, wherever we are stationed in life, in a way that dismantles the unequal structures of power and protects the most vulnerable. All of us must commit to continuing Madiba’s work; fight poverty and inequality; strive to eradicate the growing scourge of racism; and reckon with the history of oppression”. Both The Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Obama Foundation (www.obama.org) have announced that former President Barack Obama will be delivering the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture under the theme “Renewing the Mandela Legacy and Promoting Active Citizenship in a Changing World” in Johannesburg at the Ellis Park Arena on the 17th of July 2018. SAA joins the charge to ‘Live the Legacy’ this Mandela Day. So from our shores to the near and far corners of the globe, we encourage all our valued customers, to be the change they want to see in the world and thank you for being a part of the ever-evolving tradition of Ubuntu. www.flysaa.com/documents/51855150/89492609/SAA+Newsletter+-+July+2018/3d939014-a688-4ca0-8fd0dbb6e1c86db5 15 June 2018 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819