67 Minutes is only a start

Earlier this morning I participated in the DA's Mandela Day celebrations by repairing and painting a dilapidated classroom at Gordon Primary School in Alexandra. 

The DA is proud to be involved in an ongoing school improvement project with Gordon Primary School. 

The DA started the project by donating a number of computers to the school earlier this year. This has allowed the school to open its first computer room. Our involvement with Gordon Primary School will continue beyond just Mandela Day and we are currently contacting a number of other donors to have the school's management attend a training course. 

It is incredibly rewarding to be involved on an ongoing basis with the teachers and learners of Gordon Primary School. Everyone we have worked with there is clearly committed to building a better future for the school's learners. I am proud to have been able to honour Madiba's legacy in this way. 

Our experience with Gordon Primary School today is a reminder that 67 minutes of service can only be the start. And although it is admirable that so many South Africans will spend 67 minutes volunteering in the community today, all of us can do more to achieve the South Africa that Madiba envisioned. 

I urge everyone who participated in Mandela Day today to go back to their chosen projects throughout the year and give more time to community service. Helping each other improve our lives and overcome the circumstances we face is ultimately the most powerful way to honour Madiba's values and vision. 

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane, DA National Spokesperson, July 18 2012

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