The tragedy came to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre and it exposed the apartheid government’s deliberate violation of human rights to the world. The democratic government declared March 21 Human Rights Day to commemorate and honor those who fought for our liberation and the rights we enjoy today.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
― Desmond Tutu
Last week was a difficult week for us here in South Africa. There has been rioting and looting in parts of our country. The ticking time bomb I mentioned went off. People are hungry, people are desperate and the lockdowns have exacerbated the already brewing tensions.
The gap between poor and rich is widening and many have entirely lost hope. We watched on the news as malls were burnt down and goods were taken from stores, in the name of our ex-president who has been jailed, but there is always more to the story than appears…
The aftermath left many without food and medicine in certain areas. The cry went out and volunteers started cleaning the streets, distributing food parcels and helping people rebuild their lives. Goods were air-freighted to affected areas and the spirit of “Ubuntu”(I am because we are). became real.
Sometimes when bad things happen in our lives, we reel in shock and horror, but when we see the cavalry turn up to help in their hundreds, we realise that there are mostly good people in the world.
We are still proudly South African!
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
― Nelson Mandela
On his 90th birthday, in London’s Hyde Park, Mandela said: “It is time for new hands to lift the burdens”… by dedicating 67 minutes of their time – one for every year of Mandela’s service – people can give back to the world around them and make a contribution to global humanitarianism.”
His message is still relevant in these troubled times!
Every year we celebrate Tata Madiba’s birthday by honoring his wishes and dedicating 67 minutes of our time to help make the world a better place. No act of kindness is too small!
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
― Nelson Mandela
Freedom Day is the commemoration of the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. These were the first post-apartheid national elections to be held in South African where anyone could vote regardless of race.
The day celebrates freedom and commemorates the first democratic post-apartheid non-racial elections that were held on April 27th, 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela elected as President.
“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.
We are in the beginning of mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”
-Greta Thunberg
I have fallen into the silence
of a universal beat,
feeling the upheaval
of things obsolete…
I’ve been moved by the cry
to save our world from greed
watching as the children, bravely intercede…
I’m one with the unfolding
of sacred beliefs,
calling the mystics
to rise up and speak…
in the very beginning
love formed the void,
how close we’re coming to our earth being destroyed…
there’s a new awakening in this epoch of truth,
be like sages
and give them back their youth…
©AllysoAlly2019
Every year on Nelson Mandela’s birthday,
the people aim to highlight his 67 years
of selfless dedication to fighting for peace,
reconciliation, and democracy by doing good for others.
It’s one day of the year
where people are asked
to spend 67 minutes of their time
performing selfless acts for the less fortunate…
“Our children are our greatest treasure.”
-Nelson Mandela
Youth Day is a day South Africans pay tribute to the youth that was ambushed by the apartheid regime police in Soweto on 16 June 1976. On June 16, 1976, thousands of black students gathered to protest from their schools to Orlando Stadium. … Hundreds of students were killed as a result
“Nelson Mandela’s birthday is today, and the call is out for people everywhere to celebrate his birthday by acting on the idea that each person has the power to change the world.”
So today in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday, people around the world are giving 67 minutes of their time to help another person. It’s a small gesture of solidarity with humanity and a step towards a global movement for good.
In the streets of the city
his light radiates,
in the hearts of our nation
his truth permeates.
Father of Africa,
your legacy survived,
we lift each other’s burdens,
so love can arise!
*The meaning of Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika (Xhosa) is “God (Lord) Bless Africa”
AllysoAlly 