By: Natasha Archary
On what would have been former President Nelson Mandela’s 106th birthday, Kaya 959 partnered with Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg to spread a little hope in Rosebank.
Holding onto this year’s theme for Mandela Day, “It’s STILL in your hands”, Kaya 959 presenters and staff took it upon themselves to prepare meals to be distributed with their own hands.
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To honour Mandela Day, Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg situated in Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton partnered with Kaya 959 to make 120 burgers and chips for the Immaculata Shelter in Rosebank.
Based at the Rosebank Catholic Church and run by the Rosebank Homeless Association, the Immaculata Shelter is one of few dedicated shelters for the homeless in Joburg’s northern suburbs. As well as safe shelter, the association provides skills training and help with documentation for the city’s homeless, working to help them get back on their feet with dignity.
Tyrone Harding, Director at Hard Rock Cafe said keeping Mandela’s legacy alive is a firm ethos of internationally renowned business.
“Hard Rock Cafe in Nelson Mandela Square is always looking for opportunities to partner and carry out our philanthropic duties. Whether it’s working directly with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, or the Nelson Mandela Foundation, we’re always happy to get involved.
Mandela’s legacy to strive for a better South Africa for all should be honoured in true international fellowship of humankind which were the principles he stood for.
As a South African business in the heart of Nelson Mandela Square, we hold fast to the ideal that a better world can be achieved and we’re spreading a little bit of hope today with Kaya 959.”
Tyrone Harding – Director Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg is an American inspired restaurant and offers a rock retail store.
Tyrone said work is underway to open a Hard Rock Cafe for rock merchandise in Vilakazi Street, Soweto which is close to the former home of Madiba.
Be the legacy
Mandela Day was launched as an international day to take action against poverty, be the legacy and build a better world, by the United Nations in 2009.
The World Bank estimates that approximately 55.5% of the population in the country, roughly 30.3 million people are living in poverty, of this 13, 8 million are said to live in extreme poverty, which was indicated to be living on R441 per person per month.
Changing the world can’t be left up to a few people, which is why initiatives such as Mandela Day are important as it gives people an opportunity to make a difference in their communities.
From filling bags of hope which can feed a family of 4 a nutritious meal, to ladling love or donating to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, or knitting a blanket or scarf a little goes a long way to ensure Madiba’s legacy lives on.
Also read: R67 for 67-minutes! SADAG calls for donations on Mandela Day
