The Africa Muslims Agency (AMA) and Mandela family distributed hampers and blankets to commemorate Mandela Day 2023. [Picture: Twitter/@AMASADirectAid]
The Africa Muslims Agency (AMA) partnered with the family of Nelson Mandela to distribute more than three hundred food parcels and blankets to impoverished rural communities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa this week.
The distribution of food and blankets was in observance of International Mandela Day, which was celebrated on Tuesday. It coincided with the birthday of the late South African anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Hassan Choonara, regional director of AMA, said the agency has been working closely with the Mandela family for a number of years to undertake various projects in the Eastern Cape.
“One is the relief in terms of responding to the hour of need with food hampers and blankets, but also empowering young girls who are the future leaders of tomorrow in a mentorship programme and looking at sustainable projects of building boreholes,” Choonara said.
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Maintaining the legacy
Chief Mandla Mandela, grandson to Nelson Mandela, said his family was committed to continuing the legacy of their grandfather by working to uplift the poor and vulnerable in society.
“Madiba’s name has always been associated with the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable in society. For us, as a family, we regard every day to be a Mandela day. We have to be able to go into our communities and fight the social ills we are experiencing,” he said.
Recognising the impoverished state of rural communities across the length and breadth of Africa, Mandla said, “Our duty is to continue to see how we can better the lives of people in rural communities”.
The Eastern Cape village of Qunu is the birthplace of the iconic freedom fighter and former statesman. On what would have been Madiba’s 105th birthday, the vast majority of the province’s six-million residents live in squalor and discomfort. It remains the poorest province in South Africa.
In small – but impactful – ways, many paid the Madiba legacy forward by dedicating 67 minutes to making a difference. Some planted trees, others recycled and some donated essentials like food, toiletries and stationary.
