Afghanistan registered a first ever triumph over South Africa when they won the opening ODI on Wednesday by six wickets
sports5 hours ago
International Nelson Mandela Day, which is celebrated on the birthday of the South African legendary leader on July 18 every year, is an excellent time for UAE residents to reflect on what they can do to serve those in need, according to Manabile Shogole, South African Consul-General in Dubai.
Consul-General Shogole, who arrived in Dubai in May 2013, remembers the 'father of South African democracy' and his forgiving spirit and reconciliatory approach. Mandela, Shogola noted, was always keen to confront differences in an amicable manner.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Shogole also noted that Mandela valued education above all else.
"He said 'education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world'," Shogole remembered. "Mandela wanted peace and justice. He believed in selfless service to the benefit of the needy, the downtrodden and the less fortunate."
"In pursuit of former president Mandela's ideals and virtues, the South African Consulate-General in Dubai annually celebrate International Mandela Day by going out to serve the needy," he added.
Given Mandela's firm belief in service to others without expecting anything in return, the South African consulate is calling on younger generations to continue the journey he started by improving the lives of the less fortunate. The consulate, in a statement, urged people to donate books and other educational materials to schools, assist in their refurbishment, spend time at an orphanage or old age home, clean up the environment and to send food parcels to those in need.
"However, at the end of the day, it isn't about what you give, but how you can make the most out of what you give and make a difference for the betterment of others," the statement said.
Also read: When Nelson Mandela inspired the UAE
The thought was echoed in a statement by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
"Tutor a child, feed the hungry, clean up a site or care for your environment. Volunteer to serve at a hospital or community centre. Be part of the Mandela movement to make the world a better place," he said. "This is the best tribute to an extraordinary man who, with his steadfast belief in justice and human equality, showed how one person can make a difference.
"Nelson Mandela showed the way," he added. "His accomplishments came at great personal cost to himself and his family. His sacrifice not only served the people of his nation, but made the world a better place for everyone, everywhere."
Top 5 Movies on Mandela
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
Invictus (2009),
Goodbye Bafana (2007)
Mandela and de Klerk (1997)
Mandela (1987)
gaurav@khaleejtimes.com
Afghanistan registered a first ever triumph over South Africa when they won the opening ODI on Wednesday by six wickets
sports5 hours ago
The Jharkhand government says the restriction aims to ensure 'a free, fair, and transparent' staff recruitment test
asia5 hours ago
Before handing that termination letter, remember that most people don't wake up deciding to underperform
jobs5 hours ago
The footage showed three soldiers on the roof of a building, dragging, pushing and in one case kicking what appear to be dead men off the edge
mena6 hours ago
At this year’s gathering of the UNGA, the official guide lists 580 events across 17 categories, with 249 focusing on AI and technology
opinion6 hours ago
Lebanon's health ministry said at least 14 people died in the attack and the toll was expected to climb
world6 hours ago
Mist may form, and the weather will be humid by night and Sunday morning
weather7 hours ago
These international buyers highlight a growing trend, where people from countries with limited iPhone supply are taking advantage of Dubai’s quick access to the latest gadgets
tech8 hours ago