10 ways to get involved this Mandela Day

This Mandela quote perfectly sums up the importance of making a difference in the lives of others: “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”. 

Mandela devoted his life to serving people. As the country celebrates Mandela Day this Wednesday, we have thought of 10 ways you can make this world a better place and make a difference in the lives of others just like uTata. 

Education

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world "- Nelson Mandela.

Although education is a right for every child in South Africa, sadly some children have had to drop out of school because of poverty. 

This Mandela Day, you can sponsor a child's education. You can pay school fees, buy a uniform, school shoes etc. 

 You can also contribute to East Coast Radio and UKZN initiative of assisting underfunded students to complete their studies by donating as little as R67 this Mandela Day. 

"It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine" - Nelson Mandela.

Help a child

“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children” – Nelson Mandela.

This Mandela Day, you can visit a children’s home and treat them to something special. You could also take a child out for a fun day at the zoo, or just spend a day with them, giving them your undivided attention. 

There are also a lot of abandoned children in South Africa. You can consider adoption and change one life for the better. 

"The children who sleep in the streets, reduced to begging to make a living, are testimony to an unfinished job "- Nelson Mandela.

Become a blood donor

Your blood could save a life.

According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), donating just a unit of blood can save up to three lives of those in dire need of it.

So, this Mandela Day, you can choose to give your blood and save the lives of others. 

Serve your community 

“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of”- Nelson Mandela.

There are many ways you can make your community better. You can get involved as a volunteer, help your neighbours, or even pick up litter. 

You can also offer food to the less fortunate in your community. 

Become an organ donor 

By becoming an organ donor, you can change a life forever. Your organ donation can give someone a second chance at life. 

Forgive someone who has hurt you

"When a deep injury is done to us, we never heal until we forgive" - Nelson Mandela.

There is no better person who serves as an example of how forgiveness brings freedom like Nelson Mandela. 

This Mandela Day, you can choose to free yourself from hurt by forgiving someone who wronged you. 

"We must strive to be moved by a generosity of spirit that will enable us to outgrow the hatred and conflicts of the past," Nelson Mandela.

Learn a new language

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart" - Nelson Mandela.

There are eleven official languages in South Africa and many more across the globe. This Mandela Day, you can start to learn a different language or teach someone else your own language. This will show your fellow South Africans that you care about them enough to even want to learn their language.

Be generous

"If wealth is a magnet, then poverty is a kind of repellent. Yet poverty often brings out the true generosity in others" - Nelson Mandela.

It's not only money that one can give. This Mandela Day choose to be generous with whatever you have. 

You can give your time, your clothes, or use your gift to serve others for free. You can even give someone a hug or offer a stranger a smile. It's the little gestures that count. You can even offer help at a veterinarian office.

Help eradicate poverty 

“Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and Apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings” – Nelson Mandela.

If you are in a position to create job opportunities, why not hire someone this Mandela Day? It will surely improve their life and of their loved ones. 

You can also help eradicate poverty by supporting local business.  

Visit a charity or old age home

“We must use time wisely and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do right “- Nelson Mandela. 

Spend time at a charity or old age home of your choice. It's amazing how just giving your time and showing love to those who often feel neglected by society can make a difference in their lives. 

“I believe that in the end it is kindness and generous accommodation that are the catalysts for real change” – Nelson Mandela.

ALSO READ: Change a life through education this Mandela Day