INSIDE THIS ISSUE
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Happy Birthday to our ICON, Isithwalandwe Nelson Mandela
Our first President of a free and democratic Republic will always be respected as a selfless leader, who personifies human dignity and the limitless possibilities of all human beings. He continues to be a source of immense inspiration to all South Africans, as we build on his legacy in the continuing struggle for a humane, people-centred, democratic, free and united South Africa. He is a beacon of hope for Africa and the world. >>> MORE
Happy Birthday to our ICON, Isithwalandwe Nelson Mandela
Tomorrow, South Africa and the world will celebrate the 91st year of the arrival on this planet of the nation's icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
The African National Congress is proud to join millions in our country and the world in saluting you on this momentus occasion of your 91st birthday and in conveying its best wishes to you Tata.
All South Africans and people all over the world - black and white, men and women, young and old are united in their admiration, love and respect for Madiba. It takes a special kind of a person to generate so much love and respect.
As the ANC we are very proud to have produced leaders of the highest calibre for the nation, from the generation of Pixley ka Isaka Seme, to that of Oliver Reginald Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela, from Charlotte Maxeke to Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph, from Yusuf Dadoo to Braam Fischer. All of them have taught us that we have to put the country and its people first above personal interest. They taught us volunteerism and that service to humanity, especially to the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized, was the greatest contribution anyone could ever make in their lifetime.
It is in that spirit that we celebrate the life and contribution of Tata to our nation. It has been 67 active years of courageous struggle and dedication; unwavering commitment to non-racialism, non-sexism and a united and democratic South Africa; selflessness and humility; and extraordinary service to the people of South Africa.
Tomorrow South Africans and the world will celebrate the life of this humanitarian and great African, who possesses high ideals and who is enriched with an immense wealth of inspiration from which the world communities continue to draw.
On this historic first Nelson Mandela Day, together with the people throughout the world, we will dedicate 67 minutes of our time to doing something good for humanity. We will celebrate 67 years of volunteerism; leadership and activism and of uninterrupted and selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world.
Madiba deserves it. His entire adult life was spent in the service of this nation and humanity throughout the world. It is an honour for us to be able to demonstrate our appreciation to him, and through him, to all our stalwarts and veterans who sacrificed their lives so that we could be free.
Our first President of a free and democratic Republic will always be respected as a selfless leader, who personifies human dignity and the limitless possibilities of all human beings. He continues to be a source of immense inspiration to all South Africans, as we build on his legacy in the continuing struggle for a humane, people-centred, democratic, free and united South Africa. He is a beacon of hope for Africa and the world.
In 1952 he was Volunteer-in-Chief during the Defiance Campaign which drew international attention to South Africa's racist policies. A United Nations Commission was established to investigate the race situation in our country.
The Defiance Campaign brought together people of all races in joint political action under a common leadership and transformed the ANC from moderation to militancy. It also demonstrated the power of African leadership and its organisational skill and discipline.
The volunteers pledged and bound themselves to serve our country and people and to participate fully and without reservations and to the best of their abilities in the Campaign for the Defiance of Unjust Laws.
It is this continued spirit of volunteerism that saw the ANC members going door to door in an active campaign for the victory of the ANC in all the general and local elections since our first democratic elections.
In 1994, Madiba showed the world that this nation was destined for greater things. He taught us that we must put the past behind us and explore a common future, united in our diversity, celebrating our collective achievement against apartheid and racist oppression, and work together to build our beautiful country. He taught us that you achieve freedom and inner peace if you release hatred from your heart.
Madiba continued, through his gift of caring, to respect even those who once vilified, oppressed, embarrassed and even tortured him for his noble thoughts of a society free of oppression, where people would live in peace and equality. He taught us that living for a good cause transcends the innermost rooted feelings of prejudice, hatred or revenge. Therefore how can we do things differently, other than take our country towards peace, reconciliation and prosperity?
The roots of this national hero remain with his people and the ancestry of iSizwe sabaThembu in Mvezo, at Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, where his presence is felt even in his absence. From Mvezo came this intellectual giant who never ceases to think globally, aware of his far bigger responsibility to the whole of humankind.
If there is a mirror that reflects the genuine representation of a leader that aspires towards a society living in peace, good health, respect, non-racialism, non-sexism and in freedom; then Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela would shine through. If there is a story to be told of an icon that inspires the world, characterised by the humility, warm humanity and a will for prosperity; then Madiba's 91 years life story offers a story of life worth living.
We have taken too long as South Africans to celebrate this gold that is Nelson Mandela. If by chance an inspirational life story was equated to a monetary value; then the life Madiba still lives, would remove South Africa from the clutches of the global economic recession! That is how powerful the symbolism of Nelson Mandela is to the world and humanity. We are truly blessed to have him as a compatriot.
It is no coincidence that we celebrate the first Mandela Day in a month which South Africa has chosen for moral regeneration. For the values of humanity, respect for human life, compassion for the sick and elderly, loving one's neighbour as though it were one's own family, we look no further than Madiba.
All of these values and qualities that Tata embodies lie at the heart of our common fight against crime and poverty; working for quality health care and education, rural development and land reform and the creation of decent work.
In celebrating his legacy we must remember our responsibility to work together to do more to strengthen our partnership for reconstruction, development and progress, and work together to achieve Madiba's vision of a free, prosperous and successful nation.
Madiba taught us that we couldn't live in peace in South Africa while the rest of Africa suffered the scourge of conflict and war. He spent countless days and months mediating a peaceful solution in Burundi. It is a befitting birthday present that we will have a lowering of the flags ceremony in Burundi on the 8th of August, where the South African National Defence Force will officially return home after years of a successful peacekeeping mission. We are honoured to have taken forward Madiba's quest for peace in Burundi to a successful conclusion. In his honour we will continue to work for peace, development, reconstruction and progress in our continent.
The call on all citizens of the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time in the service of the less fortunate, is already galvanizing millions of people towards building a humane and caring global community. We were encouraged by the ease with which a special Nelson Mandela Day Declaration was supported and passed by the Non-Aligned Movement at the XV Summit in Egypt this week. A fortnight ago, the African Union Summit in Libya also passed a declaration in support of Nelson Mandela Day.
There are many events worldwide and nationally to celebrate Madiba's birthday and to mark Nelson Mandela Day. I will spend time with older persons from all over the country in Ivory Park in Ekurhuleni on Saturday. This will be a celebration to honour the more than three million senior citizens of our country, who are often neglected and treated as expired and unimportant members of our community. We will be sending out a message that if Tata means so much to us at the age of 91, our senior citizens should equally be treated with respect, honour and dignity.
From the 18th of July onwards, it must never be that we pass those in less favourable circumstances and those in dire need everyday without pausing to think of what we can contribute to better the conditions of humanity.
Nelson Mandela Day is an international call to action: Recognise the power within you to make a difference and to change the world around you for the better. Let us hold each other's hands and commit ourselves to work together to do more to make South Africa a great country, to build a better Africa and a just world!
Happy Birthday Tata Madiba, ukhule njalo!
Happy Nelson Mandela Day to all!
Main events for the Nelson Mandela Day Celebration
President Jacob Zuma will celebrate the Nelson Mandela Day with older persons in Tembisa, Gauteng.
Date: 18 July 2009
Time: 12h00
Venue: Ivory Park North Community Centre
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Gauteng Permier, Nomvula Mokonyane, Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile and the Chief Whip of the Majority party in the National Assembly, Dr Mathole Motshekga will host a celebration party after the 67 minutes of community service.
Date: 18 July 2009
Time: 15h00
Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square
For the nationwide activities on the Nelson Mandela Day, click on the link below:
http://www.anc.org.za/caucus/index.php?include=docs/mandeladay.html
WEEK IN REVIEW
President Zuma attends Non Allied Movement
President Jacob Zuma led the South African government delegation to the XV Non Allied Movement Summit in Egypt. During his address President Zuma called for strengthening of the South-South cooperation and restructuring of the world financial institutions in order to respond to the global financial and economic crises. He also called for the reform of the UN Security Council and a two state solution for the resolution of conflict in the Middle East.
ANC saddened by loss of a gallant fighter
The ANC sadly and untimely lost Comrade Wantu Zenzile. He was a member of the Congress of South African Students since its formation in 1979 and its president from 1980 to 1982. He contributed immensely to student and community resistance to apartheid, particularly in Port Elizabeth which earned him the wrath of the security branch.
Floods wrecks Cape Town
A massive cold front brought heavy rains that caused floods in Cape Town floods that left more than 9 350 people homeless. Houses, schools, roads and other infrsustructure were destroyed.
Angry Diepsloot residents' protests removal
Thirty-four people were arrested and police expect more arrests following violent protests in which two cars were burnt and others pelted with stones. The local councillor had called a meeting and informed residents of the development plan for the area including the relocation of shack dwellers for building of RDP houses and running water pipe.
More cases of swine reported
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) announced an increase of people reportedly affected with H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu. NICD urged people with flu symptoms to stay at home drink lot of fluid and for sick people to refer to the old hygienic ways of sneezing and coughing in the tissue and wash the hands.
NUM members agree to wage offer and ends strike
Striking construction workers at 2010 stadiums and Gautrain reported back to work after they accepted twelve percent salary increases and companying additional benefits. In terms of the agreement signed at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration contract workers who have worked for more than six months will be converted to full time employment.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
17 July 1950; the Suppression of Communism Act (Internal Security Act) No. 44 came into force. It facilitated apartheid government's take down of liberation organizations and forced them to go underground. Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki received life sentences partly because of this Act.
18 July 1918; former ANC President and South Africa's first democratically elected president and longest serving political prisoner, Nelson Mandela, was born in the small village of Mvezo, in the district of Qunu near uMthatha. To celebrate Mandela's life people over the world are urged to contribute 67 minutes in the service of the less fortunate.
20 July 1998; former Law and Order Minister, Adriaan Vlok testified under oath at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that State President, FW de Klerk, knew of illegal operations by the security forces against opposition groups.
21 July 1967; former ANC President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli, was allegedly killed after being struck by a train on a narrow railway bridge near his home in Groutville.
23 July 1954; Walter Sisulu was served with two notifications in terms of the Suppression of Communism Act. He was directed to resign as member, official or office-bearer of the ANC and was also prohibited from taking part in the activities of the ANC and from attending any gathering for a period of two years. Sisulu defied the notice and attended a gathering in Bochabelo.
LATEST STATEMENTS
ANC calls for participation in the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, 15 July 2009
ANC statement on Electoral Court Judgment, 15 July 2009
ANC statement on the death of Comrade Wantu Zenzile, 14 July 2009
ANC NWC media statement on service delivery protests, 13 July 2009
Speeches
CALL TO ACTION
On the 18th July 2009, the ANC calls ANC cadres, people of South Africa, the continent and all over the world to join Mandela Day and pledge 67 minutes of their time to do something worthy to help others in their communities.
