The South African community in Rwanda, Monday, joined the world to celebrate the ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’ in Gahini, Kayonza District where they were joined by local residents to participate in developmental activities.
 
In line with the Mandela’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, the group provided roofing materials and painted Gahini district hospital. They also visited an orphanage and a centre for children with disabilities.
 
According to the Chargé d’Affaires at the South African High Commission; Viresh Vallabhbhai; the team was inspired by the example of the Mandela Day’s theme; "Take Action. Inspire Change. Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”

"This day is important and should be given its due importance. This is the time when each one of us is urged to spare only 67 minutes to make a change in the society we live in. 67 minutes may sound few but if each one of us took time off to contribute them to social change, a lot can be achieved,” he said.
 
The call for ‘67 minutes’ was adopted from the 67 years of Mandela’s life that was dedicated to the struggle for justice.
 
The "Nelson Mandela International Day” was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009 in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

On this day, the UN calls on people all over the world to take responsibility in making the world a better place, one small step at a time, just as Mandela did.

By adopting the resolution, the UN expressed its appreciation for a great man who had suffered for the sake of people everywhere.

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