Each year, since 2009, on the 18^th of July South Africa celebrates Mandela Day in honour of the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. The day commemorates not only his birthday, but the Mandela legacy. Mandela chose to stand up for peace and reconciliation and a better future for all within South Africa. Mandela was a determined anti-apartheid freedom fighter and made it his life’s purpose to fight for a non-racial, non-sexist and equal society for every man and woman in South Africa.

Mandela still to this day is seen as a phenomenal leader and example of how we as a nation can positively impact our society, showing the power in coming together and uplifting one another. Mandela day thus celebrates the idea that each human can transform the world and make a positive impact in the lives of others no matter how small. In honour of Mandela’s example and commitment towards furthering a common good for the whole society in South Africa, Mandela day calls on everyone in the country to use the day to improve the lives of those in need. The day encourages people to spend 67 minutes doing something good for others by helping in the community and society. These 67 minutes represent the 67 years that Mandela spent fighting for justice and equality in South Africa.

Therefore on the 18^th of July 2024 the Honours students of UP Campus Tours, spent their Mandela Day at the Sungardens Hospice in Pretoria. The Sungardens Hospice offers specialized, palliative care to patients with progressive, far advanced, incurable diseases. The Hospice is run as a non-profit organization and is dependent for 95% of their funding from corporate donors, sponsorships, donations as well as income generated by their charity shops. Any help or assistance at the Hospice is thus welcomed.

In the light of this UPCT made a donation. Earlier in the year UPCT took a tour of some 30 participants who made a generous donation indicating the students could hand this over to a charity of their choice. UPCT 2024 decided that the Hospice would be an ideal place as it provides comfort to people in a dire situation.

Besides the hand-over of the donation, and in line with the ethos of Mandela Day, the student group also offered their services to the Hospice. They were given the task to sort hundreds of hangers for the Hospice that is used in their charity shop. Although this may seem like a mundane task for students, it was a humbling experience to contribute to the good of others. The appreciation and love with which we were received and treated by the staff also served as an inspiring example to us. It reminded us of all the blessings in our own lives and that we as a nation can together contribute to the common good of all.

As students we are privileged to know that our small 67 minutes of helping pack hangers to be sold in the charity shop would help and support those who need it most, in the wise word of Nelson Mandela, “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.”