The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) will be supporting Andisa Liba in celebration of the Mandela Centenary and as a build-up to Mandela Day, in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the keep the girlchild in school initiative. Liba has nominated Kama Primary School and Molefe Secondary in the New Brighton township, South Africa as recipients for donations.
Originally from the Nelson Mandela Bay, Liba (34), a cultural engineer by trade, is an avid hiking enthusiast and nature lover, who is also a firm believer in the value of education and well-being of young boys and girls. “If my involvement can aid in keeping just one young girl in school then I’ve done my bit. I truly believe that if we can do small things with big love we can make a huge difference. This program is a beacon of hope for a brighter future for these young women.” shared LibaThe annual expedition to attempt the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on Mandela Day is to create awareness around the challenges faced by young girls during their monthly cycles and how it affects their education when they miss valuable school days as a result.
The climb is used to raise much-needed funds to purchase sanitary towels to help approximately 500,000 young girls from impoverished backgrounds to stay in school.
The total cost to support one girl is R30 per month or R360 per year. The cost per year covers 12 packs of sanitary towels, Caring4Girls booklet, as well as packaging, transport and distribution to the schools and girls. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism will endeavour to support this long-term campaign and Liba with the initiatives to raise awareness and support to improve the lives of young girls in South Africa and Nelson Mandela Bay.
Commenting on the importance of Mandela’s Centenary and the initiative, NMBT CEO: Mandlakazi Skefile said: “Madiba was a great supporter and admirer of the potential of our youth. As a city named after the great icon, we believe it is our duty to carry his legacy through action. We are proud to stand behind Andisa and the Trek4Mandela team as they embark on this exciting journey in support of keeping our girls in school.”
NMBT will host a special flag raising ceremony at the Donkin Reserve on the morning of Mandela Day, also serving as a drop-off and donation drive.
The seven comedians appeared together in the 46664 It’s No Joke nearly a decade ago; the 46664 campaign took its name from Mandela’s Robben Island prison number as he was prisoner number 466 and incarcerated in 1964).
2018 marks the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela who was born on July 18, 1918. Throughout the year, the Nelson Mandela Foundation – established by Mandela in 1999 after he stepped down as president of South Africa – will promote his legacy through a series of events and engagements. All proceeds from A Night to Remember Comedy Show will go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Roddy Quin of Real Concerts says: “We are delighted that these iconic South African comedians will be back together in a hilarious show in which all monies go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation in a year that celebrates the great man’s centenary and legacy. Comedy is a platform that unites people and delivers a message on social justice.”
The seven comedians are delighted to be sharing a stage together in the comic event of the year.