International Nelson Mandela Day was celebrated for the first time on 18 July 2010 in honour of the late freedom fighter and revolutionary, Nelson Mandela.
This day is to inspire everyone to embrace the values of democracy and contribute to a just and fair society by volunteering their time in service to others in need. Nelson Mandela spent 67 years fighting for justice, equality and human rights. We are encouraged to spend 67 minutes to ‘pay it forward’ and emulate his example. Of course, we are not limited to 67 minutes once a year. This is an excellent opportunity to kickstart our altruism and take hands with those around us.
“It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.”
- Nelson Mandela
As Social Workers, we work according to the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 and the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002.
- 1. Empower all our people. We advocate for the empowerment and protection of older persons, as well as the promotion and maintenance of their status, rights, well-being, safety, and security. We take hands with others to achieve this – family members, healthcare staff, and professionals like doctors, carers, occupational therapists, counselors, housekeeping, kitchen staff, and more.
- 2. Volunteers are of great importance and value to achieve this. A volunteer can donate their time to spend with older persons whose families are far away to provide them with companionship and friendship. This is of utmost importance, especially after a period of isolation and limited interaction due to covid restrictions.
Please contact the Social Work Department at socialwork@faircape.co.za if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.
Liesl de Kock
Social Worker
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
- Nelson Mandela
