EASTERN CAPE – The Nelson Mandela International Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in November 2009, in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, on Mandela’s birthday. Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each person has the power to change the world, the ability to make a difference. In heeding this call, organisations both public and private embarked on various activities by showing compassion and giving their time to those less fortunate than themselves. Two police stations in the Sarah Baartman District celebrated Mandela Day differently, but their acts of goodwill touched people in a meaningful way.

Hankey SAPS partnered with a local store, Spar Supermarket in making a difference to the lives of at least 120 less fortunate people from the area known as Stofwolk in Hankey. Soup and bread were served, in very small groups and the opportunity was also used to educate them about the importance of properly wearing of masks, to adhere to social distancing and sanitising or washing of hands regularly, so as to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Another activity, members of the Women’s Network from Joza SAPS decided to spend the day, cleaning the holding cells and some building blocks at the police station.

Source: South African Police Service