19 July 2024
DEPT's Secondleg of Mandela Day Celebrations in Douglas
In celebration of Mandela Day 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development & Land Reform, in collaboration with the Douglas Mayor’s Office and the Saltlake Residents Action Group (SARAG), hosted a celebratory event for the elderly community of Douglas at the Bongani Community Hall.
This year’s Mandela Day theme, "It’s still in your hands to combat poverty and inequity" set the tone for the program. The event highlighted SARAG's role in the community and included with an educational session by the department’s Environmental Communication & Awareness Raising unit on protected species. Attendees received gifts, and Mr. B. Fisher, Manager of the Waste Management Unit, emphasized the ongoing responsibility to fight inequality, stating, “Mandela Day should be celebrated every day, not only on July 18th. He has given us a great gift, and it is our responsibility to continue the fight against inequality and inequity within this country, because the fight is far from over.”
Mayor Patrick McKlein delivered a keynote address, reflecting on Mandela’s legacy and the continuous battle against poverty and inequality. He stressed the importance of every individual's role in creating a better, safer, and richer future.
The Department of Health also contributed by providing a screening service for the elderly. After the formal program, trees, gardening equipment, and seeds were distributed to participants and trees were also planted in the yard of the community hall.
As Mandela once said, “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.” Happy International Mandela Day!