Johannesburg - Many South Africans are familiar with giving up 67 minutes of their time on Mandela Day, but some of South Africa’s celebrities will be making it a three-day affair.
DJ Fresh, Anele Mdoda, Johrnè van Huyssteen, Alex Caige, Saint Seseli, Angie Khumalo, Mac Masina, Piet Croucamp and Karen Zoid, along with several other bikers, will don their helmets as part of the sixth annual Bikers for Mandela Day.
The event will see the riders embark on a journey around the country, distributing whistles to various organisations as part of a campaign in support of Blow the Whistle, an anti-rape and woman abuse organisation. They will also stop off at a school and other organisations to offer up time to entertain children, do some repair work and hand out blankets.
Zelda la Grange, former secretary to Nelson Mandela, is the convener of the Bikers for Mandela Day and reiterated how Mandela “valued kindness”.
SUSTAINING MADIBA’S LEGACY
“Bikers for Mandela Day was launched so that South Africa’s large biker community could pay tribute to Madiba and his legacy. Madiba strongly believed that small acts of kindness could change the world for the better. He gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. Now it’s our turn to make a positive and sustainable difference to communities in need. For the sixth year, we are travelling to remote areas to advocate change. Caring brings about change.”
The bikers will will leave on 16 July, riding from Johannesburg to Beaufort West, George, Knysna, Graaff Reinet and Bloemfontein.
Robyn Farrell, executive head of 1st for Women Insurance, one of the sponsors of the event, said she hoped the company’s contributions would help sustain Mandela’s legacy.
“It is our hope that our actions will empower the communities we visit, and motivate them to take charge of their destinies and change their circumstances for the better.
“Bikers for Mandela Day proves that small gestures of kindness can indeed make a huge difference and if celebrities are willing to roll up their sleeves and get dirty for a good cause, anyone can.”
Cape Argus