Visit to the children at renal unit – Charlotte Maxeke Hospital

​In his sayings Nelson Mandela said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children”. And Tata loved children! It brought such a smile to his face when he was surrounded by children.

In recognising Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, the promotion and protection of human rights, equality, freedom and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, The United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009. 18 July is the day Nelson Mandela was born.

Government is sounding a clarion call to action for all to contribute through this celebration to the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. This is a call to action for the world to participate to be inspired by the theme by contributing 67 minutes of our time to help those in need.” President Jacob Zuma declared 2015 as the Year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action as it marks its 60th anniversary. And what better way to give expression to this milestone through celebrating Mandela Day.

The theme for Mandela Day this year is “Take Action - Inspire Change - Make Every Day a Mandela Day”. And you and your brave fight inspires me so much. It is therefore extreme privilege for me to be here with you today

This day reminds us to continue to extend ourselves in working towards a dream and vision for a better life for all and it begins with each one of us making any type of contribution from our various environments. On this visit, we salute you for your courage shown in your medical battles.

Mandela Day is not only about doing good - it is about service and it is an opportunity to build upon his lifelong belief that we must live to serve every day, in whatever we do. We also salute the amazing caregivers here today that help you get through your treatments.

You don’t talk Ubuntu, you live Ubuntu. And this is what strikes me today here in this hospital. I am touched and humbled that we together with the Hilton Sandton could all gather and visit you.  We all have our own challenges to deal with. But your courage gives me hope and inspiration.  Today just reinforces Ubuntu for me.

We have come a long way and still have a long way to go to rebuild this country. But if we extend an open hand to our neighbour, we will make him proud hand.  Remember a closed or fisted handed cannot receive anything. We need tolerance and patience. Tata sacrificed 67 years of his life for our freedom, can we do 67 minutes? With your inspiration and motivation, yes, we absolutely can!

You are gone Tata, but you live in our hearts forever. Your legacy inspires us that anything is possible. Make every day a Mandela Day as we, together, Move South Africa Forward! Keep on fighting your battles, keep on striving and keep on smiling. God bless each and every one of you.

I thank you