1. The national Department of Education has committed itself to the commemoration of historical events. The aim of these events is not only to remember the past, but also to learn more about the people and events that shaped South African history and led to the birth of a democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.
2. Former President Nelson Mandela is one of the people who shaped South African history and his contribution to freedom and humanity is acknowledged throughout the world.
3. Mandela Day came as a proposal from the 46664 Campaign and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The two organisations are involved in promoting the legacy of the former President, an icon of peace and democracy in the world. The legacy of former President Mandela is embodied in the values of the Constitution. His values include human dignity, democracy, social justice, equity, an open society, nation-building and national reconciliation. Mr Mandela is a shining example of personal sacrifice and lifelong commitment to the betterment of the lives of all people and is the living embodiment of ubuntu.
4. Each year on 18 July, Mandela Day, people from all parts of the world will be requested to contribute positively to humanity for 67 minutes The President of the Republic, Mr J Zuma, has urged South Africans to demonstrate their respect for the former President by engaging in activities that make a positive difference to the lives of others.
5. While Mandela Day occurs during the school holidays, the national Department of Education requests schools to commit themselves to participating in celebrating the life and values of Mr Mandela by organising activities that demonstrate a spirit of values in action and personal commitment to helping others. Learners and educators should be encouraged, specifically for Mandela Day, to give 67 minutes of the day to helping others in whatever way they can. Learners and educators could engage, for example, in activities such as cleaning the school premises, assisting the elderly or infirm or starting reading groups in the community.
6. The school could arrange a special assembly or dedicate time in class during which learners and educators could report back to the school after the vacation on what they did on Mandela Day.
7. Schools could also encourage activities over a year or a month that embody the values that Mr Mandela stands for. Such activities could include the following:

i.Healthy environmental activities, such as tree planting, cleaning of school premises and neighbourhoods
ii.Debates on Constitutional values and the Bill of Responsibilities for the Youth of South Africa
iii.Activities related to school gender programmes, such as the dissemination and mediation of guidelines on sexual harassment and starting GEM/BEM clubs
iv.Starting food gardens at schools
v.Activities focusing on drug abuse, school safety awareness and HIV/AIDS
vi.Activities based on children's rights
8. Schools should use cost effective, creative methods - and not incur additional expenditure - in the celebration of Mandela Day, either on the day or during the year.
9. Schools are encouraged to send their feedback to the national Department of Education, as their activities will be documented.
10. The contact person at the national Department of Education is The Secretary, Directorate: Race and Values, Private Bag X 895, Pretoria, 0001. Tel: 012 312 5080 Fax: 012 326 1909
E-mail: zondo.j@doe.gov.za


SIGNED: TS LINGELA
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:07:07