Forming a Unity and Social Responsibility Mandela Day
S
outh African Military Health Service Formations, Area, Support and Mobile Military Health joined the world in commemorating Nelson Mandela Month in July 2023. They heeded the government call on citizens to contribute to turning the tide against food insecurity and climate change in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy. They did this by helping one of their own, Private Kabelo Hlongwane who recently had parts of his house gutted by fire. The neighbouring Formations decided to join hands and contribute to ease the burden of their colleague. They donated paint, clothes and various household items. The members also used the opportunity to interact with each other while painting the house. This was a heart-warming moment as it created unity among colleagues.
to honour him by emulating these ideals not only during Mandela Month. The 2023 commemoration takes place under the theme “It is in your hands”. Mandela made the declaration, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it” during his July 2007 speech delivered at the “46664” AIDS benefit concerts held in his honour by local and foreign musicians between 2003 and 2008.
Former President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela abhorred injustice. He is largely known for the personal sacrifices and his fellow freedom fighters that laboured towards the attainment of democracy in South Africans. Even outside of prison, Mandela continued the fight against injustice, especially poverty through various means, including mobilising local and international friends to support fundraising efforts for food insecurity and education, among others. Mandela viewed anti-poverty efforts as the protection of human rights. He once said, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.” As such, South Africans will do well
Formation members hard at work, painting the house and restoring it to its rightful place.
29
Article & Photographs by Lt Col Sello Segone
