FTFA and Nashua Mobile together celebrated the Mandela Day on 18 July 2011. Nashua Mobile sponsored the event with 1000 trees to be distributed and planted in Esselen Park, Tembisa. Atleast 17 volunteers from Nashua Mobile joined us as we sang, danced and planted trees in each household. We were also joined by the team from Ekurhuleni and by the PR Counsellor and her team.
This was a great day, and the community residents came in numbers to celebrate the Mandela Day and to receive their trees. Young and old came from every household to honour such a great icon from the African continent. The programme starterd on a high spirit as Solomon Mondlane led the community in struggle songs. “This is the most important day in our lives as we honour the tallest tree of Africa, tata Nelson Mandela.” Said solomon Mondlane addressing the crowd. “Long live Nelson Mandela long live!” shouted a jubilant Solomon Mondlane.
Asipa Mancane Kulane a teenager from the same community led the crowd as she sang the National Anthem. She also sang a birthday song to Tata Nelson Mandela.
Our first speaker was the PR Counsellor, Ruth Shabalala who welcomed everyone present during the event. “Today in history our hero is born.” Said Ruth. “We are so thankful to Nashua Mobile and FTFA for thinking of this community. We feel special and honoured as we celebrate this day together.” Continued Ruth.
Our poet Nosipho Sibanda sang praises to the world long living species, the tree. “You are a gift of life... without you we are all dead.” Shouted Nosipho.
The next speaker was Mosima Maake from 'Put a Smile organisation' who echoed Ruth Shabalala’s words when she sang praises to Nashua and FTFA. Sipho Mathe, FTFA’s Senior Community Forester spoke on behalf of FTFA. “FTFA has been planting trees for the past 21 years, and Nashua Mobile has been in partneship with us in some of the projects.” Said Sipho.
TT Nzimande gave a short background about Nashua Mobile’s involvement in tree planting projects. He thanked FTFA for being a good partner. TT Nzimande presented the CEs with certificates, and FTFA also presented Nashua Mobile with a certificate in honour of their greening initiative in South Africa.
Solomon Mondlane and Edwin Makushu did a tree planting demonstration before people were handed their trees. We had a poem by Nosipho Sibanda and music item from Nokhaya Makrexeni. What a great day we had as the sponsors, the service providers, the community leaders and the community residents sang and danced together.
(All pictures by Joanne Rolt)
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