67 moments for Madiba

18 July 2013 - 03:19 By Jan Willem Bornman, Bonginkosi Ntiwane, Nivashni Nair, Jackie May, Andile Ndlovu and Andrea Nagel
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People across the world will today celebrate, through word and deed, the years Nelson Mandela spent in public service

WHAT THE FAMILY IS DOING

1. GRANDDAUGHTER Zoleka Mandela said the family lunch in celebration of Nelson Mandela's birthday would be held "as we do each year, wherever he is".

Members of the family are expected to make a contribution to the SOS Children's Village in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, ahead of the get-together at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria.

"Calling it special is putting it very mildly," Zoleka said of the opportunity to spend another birthday with Mandela, who has been in hospital since June 8.

His daughter Makaziwe told the SABC last month: "If we are blessed by the good Lord to have Tata still alive and breathing on July 18, I think we will celebrate as we usually do - and that is to have a lunch or dinner and honour him." - Andile Ndlovu

TODAY'S EVENTS

2. GUGULETHU, WESTERN CAPE

Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba will form part of a human chain from Gugulethu to Rondebosch. The chain represents the "Mandela dream of a united South Africa free from poverty".

3. COUNTRYWIDE

Schoolchildren around the country will sing Happy Birthday and say a prayer for Nelson Mandela at 8am.

4. JOHANNESBURG

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa will interact with the public at Orlando Police Station.

5. ST GEORGE'S CATHEDRAL, WESTERN CAPE

Cosatu will unveil the "Wall of Honour for Madiba", where people can place cards for Mandela .

6. ROBBEN ISLAND, WESTERN CAPE

Cape Town International Airport will take 67 school children from disadvantaged schools to Robben Island. Mandela's former jailer, Christo Brand, will plant an apple tree on the island.

7. NELSON MANDELA MUSEUM, QUNU, EASTERN CAPE

A fundraising dinner will be held to help build a development centre for the Zimbane community in Umthatha.

8. MVEZO, EASTERN CAPE

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will visit the Mandela School of Science and Technology, which is set to open in January.

9. BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE

My Glass will take children from the Reddersburg Orphanage on a fun-filled day at the lion park.

10. BRAKPAN, GAUTENG

Cake Extreme will bake a 2.4m x 1.4m Mandela cake.

11. ST MARY'S CHURCH, KZN

The St Mary's Church bell, named the Peace Bell, will be rung 95 times .

12. MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM, KZN

AmaZulu FC will take on English side Manchester City.

13. MARITZBURG, KZN

Grade 10 pupils at Maritzburg College will write thank-you letters to all the school's cleaners.

14. BALLITO, KZN

Zumba instructors from Sugar Dance Studio will host a 67-minute Zumbathon to raise money for The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund.

15. VENDA, LIMPOPO

The Flying of Life is aiming to sell a lot of duct tape within 67 minutes to have a volunteer stuck on a wall without support. Funds raised will be donated to the Early Childhood Development Centres in Venda.

16. NELSPRUIT, MPUMALANGA

Big 5 Harley-Davison Nelspruit Bikers will visit the Kamagugu Inclusive School for the Disabled.

17. HEBRON, NORTH WEST

NL Construction and African Women Chartered Accountants will build a kitchen at the Lot Phalatste Primary School.

18. MAHIKENG, NORTH WEST

Premier Thandi Modise will lay bricks and plant trees at the Marang Estate housing development project.

19. UPINGTON, NORTHERN CAPE

The Northern Cape Rural FET College students will form the number 67 for an aerial photo.

INTERNATIONAL

20. TORONTO, CANADA

The Nelson Mandela Public Park Public School will hold a fair.

21. CUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

Childhope Asia will entertain 50 abandoned street children during a tour of a TV station.

22. CALIFORNIA, USA

A woman will knit for 67 minutes a day for 67 days to make teddy bears for Africa.

23. AUSTRALIA

Aussie Media 4 will ask employees to donate clothing, blankets and toys to the Salvation Army.

24. ELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Fight Against Desert Encroachment as well as the Delta State Government will create a Mandela Garden by planting 95 trees.

25. ST AUGUSTINE, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

 The Institute of International Relations Library will donate 67 new school bags to children.

26. LONDON, ENGLAND

Marky Warren, a Saffer in London, is walking from his office in Canary Wharf to his home in Wimbledon in honour of Madiba.

27. UK

Mazars LLP staff from around the UK will ''dress down for the day and donate'' to the Nelson Mandela Fund. - Compiled by Philani Nombembe and Nashira Davids. Additional information by Nivashni Nair and Jackie May

WHAT THE COMICS SAY

28. BRENDAN JACK: "Madiba, you've put in so much good time. It's time for you to chill and for people to leave you alone. You just relax - you've done your part. You're a great man, one of the greatest . people ever to have lived. You enjoy your chill time now, because enough is enough."

29.NDUMISO LINDI: "Get well, Tata. Thank you for everything. We're here making white people, Indian people, coloured people laugh freely - expressing our voice, thanks to you."

30. KAGISO LEDIGA: "Tata, what is up with these 67 minutes? Did you have anything to do with these 67 minutes? 27 minutes would have been cool because you did 27 years in jail. On Mandela Day you have to come up with something good to do. At least on Valentine's Day there are chocolates that you have to buy and people expect them. Christmas is similar. I never know what to do [on Mandela Day]. But I love you."

31. DEEP FRIED MAN: "I love you, Tata. We hope you have a full recovery soon . we've had good signs recently. I have to say, though, I would have been a lot happier if you had returned my e-mails. I keep sending e-mails and you don't answer them, but it's okay, I understand you're a busy man."

32. DONOVAN GOLIATH: "Thank you for giving us the opportunity and a platform. Without you I would not be doing stand-up comedy or this interview. We love you and happy birthday."

33. JASON GOLIATH: "Thank you for allowing this to be part of my lifetime. I missed the moon landing, both world wars, and the great revolutions, but I feel this is a moment that is as significant. Thank you for allowing us to be part of possibly the greatest moment in history - not South African or African, but history. I am privileged to have been part of that and to have it as part of my upbringing and my culture. We're unbelievably blessed and I don't think we realise how much."

34. DAVID KAU: "Chap, thank you for allowing me to use some of you and some of your material and life and a lot of your voice in my stand-up career. Simply, thank you. Happy birthday, God bless you and I'm not going to be stupid and say live another 95 years. No we can't."

35. BARRY HILTON: "I've just won an award [Comics Choice Awards' Lifetime Achievement honour] for inspiring young comics. I've been doing this for 30 years. You have been inspiring the world for 67 years. I am so proud to be a fan of yours." - Andile Ndlovu

WHAT THE KIDS SAY

36. He means everything. He's a hero. Happy birthday, stay safe, and love from all of us. - Chris Manzvenga, 11

37. Madiba means freedom to me. Happy birthday, Madiba. I hope you get well soon. I hope everyone that comes to the hospital can see you.- Mthobeli Ndlazulwana, 8

38. He is like my father. He saved us and he is kind. I love you and happy birthday.

- Thuto Moloi, 9

39. Nelson Mandela means a lot to me. I would like him to get better. I just want to spend time with him. - Mpho Mnyayi, 11

40. We want to thank him for everything he has done. He is the greatest person we have ever had as president. Get well soon and happy birthday. - Papsy Dlamini, 13

41. Without him, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have this kind of education, and without him I wouldn't have the kind of freedom I have. Please get well soon, Tata. - Khanya Gxoyiya, 12

42. He is a symbol not only of his personal past but of everyone who took part in making a better future. I wish him one of the best birthdays regardless of the situation he is in currently. - Maryam Elgoni, 18

43. Thank you for being our freedom fighter. Happy birthday. - Candice Pillay, 17

44. I met Madiba in Grade R. He gave me education. We can now live in areas where we wouldn't be able to if it weren't for him. Happy birthday, Madiba. - Yaseera Essop, 17

45. Madiba taught me equity. Happy birthday and hope you get well soon. - Girisha Durgapershad, 17

46. Thank you for being a pillar of strength and for giving us a future. Happy birthday Madiba.- Aliyah Ince, 17

47. I think he's a hero. Get well Madiba, I love you.- Khaya Hlophe, 9

48. He's fantastic. Happy birthday. - Tshegofatso Diti, 6

49. He's a great man; he gave us freedom and we have a good education because of him. Thank you so much - Dimpho Mofokeng, 12

50. He's a courageous man and a person to look up to. Happy birthday, Tata. You're always in my heart. - Zinhle Nkosi, 12

51. He's a great man, a loving person and a peaceful man. Happy 95th and get well soon.- Buhle Moloi, 12

52. He's a leader and a role model. Enjoy your day. - Wandile Nkosi, 11

53. I think he's a great man. He made us one. Speedy recovery, happy 95th birthday, and hopefully see 96th.- Aisha Ndobora, 12

54. He's brave: he fought for freedom and he brought us here and he's a good man. I miss you. Happy 95th birthday.- Noxolo Mkhize, 12

55. He's very good. Happy birthday and get well soon.- Bongiwe Khuboni, 11

56. He's a very good man. We are very thankful for what he's done and he made us one. Happy birthday, get well soon.- Abongile Mzondeki, 12

57. He's a brave man; I know he'll get well soon. Happy birthday, enjoy your day.- Ntokozo Hlayisi, 12

58. He's the father of the nation; without him it wouldn't be the same. Happy birthday Madiba, your recovery is in my prayers.- Lebo Mamashela, 12

59. He's a good inspiration and a good person. Happy birthday, hope you live for many more years.- Amith Sewpersadh, 15

60. He's an inspiration in my life, every time I hear his name I want to do my best and help people. I love you Nelson Mandela, get better soon.- Christopher Holman, 14

61. I think of him as a liberator and someone who gave South Africa freedom. Wish you a happy birthday.- Peter Bogdanov, 14

62. I think he's a great person, not just for South Africa but for the whole world. He's famous for doing something that a lot of people couldn't do. Get well soon because I'd like to meet you one day.- Gift Rashid, 19

63. He's a really good man, a hero, and is inspiring. Get well soon, and survive the illness.-Tshiamo More, 13

64. He's a great person: everyone loves him and he's a father to all of us. I wish him a speedy recovery.- Zeni Mbuwako, 12

65. He's a wonderful man and shouldn't be in hospital. I wish him a wonderful birthday. - Emmanuel Malemela, 13

66. I think he's a great person. I'd like to do something similar one day. Enjoy your day tomorrow, get well.

- Akshay Dawa, 19

67. He's a famous person and he inspires kids. Get well, hang in there.

- Afiya Dede, 13

Compiled by Jan Willem Bornman and Bonginkosi Ntiwane

AND IF YOU HAVE FATIGUE

Spend 67 minutes getting dressed. Take off your Juju shirt (a label inspired by Julius Malema) and put on your Madiba duds. The Long Walk To Freedom Clothing label was launched last year by Mandela's daughter Zenani Mandela-Dlamini.

Listen to Alice In Chains' 67-minute album 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here'. If you're of a more literal persuasion listen to 'Mandela Day' by Simple Minds.

Take 67 minutes to appreciate art. The Art Inspired by Madiba exhibition launches at the Peacemakers Museum, Nelson Mandela Square today with works by David Koloane, Wayne Barker and others.

Do a 67-minute gym workout followed by a 67-minute afternoon nap.

Make a 60-minute roast chicken and spend seven minutes enjoying it.

Laugh at the 67 Minutes Of Laughter show tonight with Chris Forrest, Kagiso Lediga, Loyiso Madinga and others. On at The Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets are R67 at www.strictlytickets.com.

Watch 67-minute 1920 film 'The Cabinet of Dr Caligari'. - Andrea Nagel

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