Use Mandela Day to help others fights COVID-19: Govt

In a statement, government spokesperson Phumla Williams says: "COVID-19 has brought to the fore the ideals of Tata Madiba, who embodied the spirit of care, selflessness, sacrifice, and resilience as a nation."

She adds: "The resilience of South Africans has enabled the nation to overcome a number of challenges and it continues to draw strength in its ability to rally for action to defeat COVID-19 This battle requires citizens to honour Mandela Day by dedicating themselves to helping fellow citizens in beating COVID-19."

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Williams said as part of the Nelson Mandela International Day, South Africans can all play their part in small ways and provide assistance to the needy in various neighbourhoods by donating food, masks, and sanitisers.

 "There should support initiatives that aim to help the less privileged such as the Each1Feed1 campaign, which ensures that all contributions reach the intended recipients," she said. 

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More information on the Nelson Mandela Foundation campaign can be accessed from www.nelsonmandela.org/each1-feed1.

"Government reiterates its call to all people in South Africa to stay safe and minimise the spread of the virus by taking preventative measures part of their cultural and religious practices," said Williams. 

"These include maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 metres, regularly washing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser, and wearing a mask when in public." 

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