Acting High Commissioner Leonard Khoza tells the room, while laughing, that it’s usually casual Friday at the South African High Commission, but his staff are still donning white tops to commemorate the great man – Nelson Mandela. Photos: James Day.
South Africa’s High Commission and HelpingACT have joined forces in the fight against poverty and inequality.
Their recently signed official partnership was based on HelpingACT’s embodiment of the 2024 theme for Nelson Mandela Day: “Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands”.
At a small ceremony within the foreign consulate, Acting High Commissioner for South Africa Leonard Khoza announced his pleasure at the new alliance.
“18 July was former President of the Republic of South Africa Nelson Mandela’s birthday,” he said. “He was born on 18 July 1918 and left us in December 2013.
“Nelson Mandela Day was declared by the UN in 2009 as an international day, whereby everybody is requested to at least invest 67 minutes of their time in trying to help those who are in need [representing the amount of years Manela spent struggling for social justice].
“When we were thinking about an organisation to partner with, we couldn’t look any further than HelpingACT.”
After attending HelpingACT’s annual fundraising dinner in June, First Secretary Lebogang Mokwena said the High Commission recognised the charity’s promise in honouring their former President.
“At the inception of the 67 minutes campaign, ‘Madiba’ (as South Africans affectionately call him), expressed his heartfelt wish that such a day could unite people worldwide in a battle against poverty and in the promotion of peace and reconciliation,” said Ms Mokwena.
“So it is with great pride that the High Commission has collaborated with HelpingACT – an organisation that not only assists those in need within the ACT community, but also extends its support to displaced individuals, victims of domestic violence and refugees seeking to resettle in their new host countries.”
Woden Daybreak Rotary Club’s President Rhonda Owen said their partnership with HelpingACT had involved them in countless programs they’d otherwise not be able to participate in.
“HelpingACT is a very small organisation but through its really strong relationships and partnerships, it delivers big programs,” said Ms Owen. “This is just another example of that.”
The High Commission was thanked by HelpingACT Chair Mohammed Ali, who brought a medley of the organisation’s volunteers with him in celebrating their international venture.
“The commonality between Nelson Mandela and the likes of him in this world, is simply that all the people have a right to access the basics of life,” said Mr Ali. “These basics of life may start with food or other things, but beyond it all is actually their own dignity.
“When he saw what was happening to those around him, it was dignity that sparked Nelson Mandela to take action.”
First Secretary Mokwena also extended her thanks to members of the diplomatic community who donated non-perishable food.
“It is a testament to the fact that diplomatic missions’ concerns extend far beyond the realms of political and economic engagement,” she said. “We are deeply committed to addressing social issues, fostering a community that cares and building bridges of humanitarian support.
“Together, we have demonstrated that diplomacy is not just about policies, it’s about people and the positive impact we can create in their lives.”
In closing her speech, she quoted Mr Mandela: “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.
“Sometimes it falls on generations to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”
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