It is quite ironic that this month we celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday under unique circumstances – a global pandemic that has seriously constrained the very freedom of movement and association our nation’s founding father, Nelson Mandela, foreswore for 27 years to win for us.

We are enjoined to make every July Mandela month, to volunteer our services to do something for the community or the less fortunate – for only 67 minutes if that’s all we can manage.

With that being said, we look at what our celebrate are doing today to make sure that they honour Madiba’s legacy in the best wa possible. So far, we are seeing social media posts and that’s as far as most celebrities have went this year to celebrate Madiba day.

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However, DJ Shimza will become the first artist to live stream from Robben Island in an historic event on Mandela Day, 18th July 2020. Shimza, and his foundation SHIMUZIC along with the Siya Kolisi Foundation have partnered in a drive to raise funds for those negatively affected by COVID-19 as well as Robben Island itself.

On the other hand, Pearl Thusi has shared a tweet also celebrating the icon’s legacy. Pearl wrote; ” Damn. They don’t make them like this anymore…
Happy Mandela Day ! ✊?Red heart” [SIC]

Media personality and businesswoman Sophie Lichaba said due to her condition (diabetes) she can’t really be hands-on be but that won’t stop her from doing her part.

“I’m in Kimberly this week, my mother’s hometown and while I’m here, I will be donating essentials such as food, masks, sanitisers, soaps to families in need, “ says the former “Generations” star.

Lichaba added: “My message of hope is, we are a strong power, South Africa. Together we will and can keep the Madiba spirit alive.”

Actor, comedian and television host Siv Ngesi has joined forces with Crown National to help feed 10 000 people this Mandela Day.

They will also be giving 2000 sanitary towels to disadvantaged women and young girls.

The “Bhai’s Café” actor is also encouraging fellow South Africans to donate food parcels, sanitary towels, or contribute R67 towards the cause.

He said: “You can change one life at a time.”

Radio personality Nick Hamman, who is part of the “Reach For A Dream Foundation,” the organisation that encourages children to use their dreams to fight life-threatening illnesses and inspire hope.

“We’re midway through a month-long campaign for Reach for a Dream, fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. Last week we got David Higgs (chef and restaurant owner) to teach a young boy to cook and this week we had Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala (Miss South Africa 2010) to help us fill up a wendy house with toys and dolls for a little girl,” the 5FM presenter shared.

Hamman added: “ I think at this time it’s important to be mindful of what others are going through. People should focus on what they can control and together we’ll all get through this.”

Television host and celebrity publicist Jarred Doyle says he will be dropping off baby clothes and toys to an orphanage that he works closely with.

“I don’t like posting it because I think it’s something that I enjoy doing and enjoy being part of and it doesn’t need any kind of publicity, “ the “Hashtags” presenter revealed.

Mi Casa band member Moshe Kgasoane, better known as Mo-T says through his foundation, Diphala Foundation, we will be distributing boxes full of goodies at different homeless shelters in Gauteng.

He said: “Let’s Stay Home. Lets Stay Safe. Let’s support one another because we can win this pandemic together if ee all follow the rules of our country.”

Doyle’s added: “My message of hope for SA is for us to be kind and encourage each other to do better every day. We have been let down by the powers that be but we are a resilient nation and have massive potential in us we just need to remember it and access our own greatness.

Radio and television presenter Bujy Bikwe says, in honour of Madiba, he will be distributing study material for matriculants in his home town in Orange Farm.

Bikwe’s continued: “I hope that the kids are able to keep up with their school work and they are able to find innovative ways to survive the new normal in schools. Education is completely compromised but we have to keep moving forward with our syllabus and making sure that we are up to date. Let’s stay safe and educated.”

Here’s what other celebrities are saying or doing on this day:

DJ Lamiez

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