Food & Trees for Africa honours Mandela by making a difference

"Back in 1990 when I founded what is today a leading organisation addressing greening, food security, climate change and sustainable livelihoods, Nelson Mandela's determination, focus and humanity inspired me to realise that I could change things for the better," said Jeunesse Park, founder of FTFA.

Continuing Mandela's legacy of compassion

Mandela Day on 18 July aims at celebrating this esteemed hero's birthday by encouraging the continuation of his legacy of compassion. It puts into practice the ideals held by Mandela concerning the power of a single person to significantly change the world, ideals that inspired FTFA's motto - "One can make a difference".

Over the past two decades FTFA has worked on numerous projects with Mandela, including the placement of a forest at his home in Qunu, the opening of the Nelson Mandela Park in Mamelodi and the planting of many trees in Alexandra. The organisation is also proud to have his wife, Graça Machel, as a patron.

A long list of Mandela Day activities that will celebrate his inspiration, 41 that FTFA and its sponsors are involved in, can be seen at http://bit.ly/10IeMwE. They include the planting of many trees and food gardens, community and school greening and permaculture workshops, an event with the Mandela Children's Fund at a project they are funding, and even the planting of vegetables with emerging farmers on Onverwacht community farm in Cullinan.

"This forthcoming Mandela Day is full of poignancy and optimism," said Park. "We encourage every human to take the opportunity to keep alive the special day and the ideas of good-heartedness associated with it and with Tata himself."

To find an event to participate in on Mandela Day, go to http://bit.ly/10IeMwE.

For more information on the Mandela Day events, contact az.gro.seert@ofni.