The South African High Commissioner to Uganda has asked the Muslims to remember Nelson Mandela as they celebrate Eidh today as it coincides with the Mandela International Day.
Eidh Elfitr celebrations coincide with the Nelson Mandela International Day which is marked annually on July 18th in remembrance of the former South African leaders’ life and legacy.
Speaking to KFM, Prof Lekoa Solly Mollo said the day should also be used by all to dedicate selfless service to humanity.
“Eid Mubarak! As we commemorate the day of an icon and having the Muslim community celebrating Eid, what a coincidence! its about the difference and the good that you could do in someone’s life and i’ll take this opportunity to wish them a happy celebration. Eid Mubarak!” he said.
On this day people across the globe are asked to dedicate 67 minutes to service meant to change lives of others.
In Uganda, the Mandala International Day celebrations that were meant to take place at Kawotta Saviour’s primary School in Kajansi have been postponed till July 24th following the death of the founder of the host school.
In line with some of the themes for the day such as Food Security, Education and Literacy, the High Commission will join hands with the management of South African companies such as MTN, Eskom, Shoprite and Century Bottling Company in dedicating 67 minutes to engage in activities such as the unveiling of a computer laboratory donated by MTN and Eskom; planting seedlings in the school’s vegetable garden and clearing the school’s play ground area to commemorate the day.
“I therefore call on all to preserve the legacy of Nelson Mandela by dedicating 67 minutes of their time on 18th July,wherever you may be, to engage in selfless activities to make the lives of the less privileged in our societies better”, said Prof Mollo in an interview with KFM.
The Mandela International Day was declared in November 2009, when the UN General Assembly set aside July 18th in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
The UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as uplifting of the poor and underdeveloped communities.
Story by Catherine Ageno
