‘Let the spirit of Mandela fight for us’ : Homeless ex-convict calls for unity on Mandela Day
A homeless Soweto man, 49, who spent 20 years in prison for theft, robbery and housebreaking, has called on the spirit of former President Nelson Mandela to help fight for a better South Africa.
“Let the spirit of Mandela fight for us,” said Sphesihle Mshezi, of Zola, Soweto. “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to those helping the needy and vulnerable around the world.”
Mshezi made the remarks on Friday during Nelson Mandela Day commemorations at the Tshepo Community Development facilities in Northcliff, Johannesburg.
Mandela Day is observed annually on July 18, encouraging people around the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service.
Mandela, who was the South African Black President and global political icon, was born July 18, 1918.
He died December 5, 2013, following a prolonged respiratory infection.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government.
He was released on February 11, 1990.
“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination,” Mandela previously said in one of his famous quotes.
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”
Mshezi, who is currently homeless and unable to support himself, relies on meal vouchers and occasional handouts provided through community development initiatives.
“I was robbing people of their belongings, housebreaking and stealing back in the days, but that life never paid.”
He said his past actions were influenced by a lack of love and guidance, peer pressure, and substance abuse.
After battling drug addiction, Mshezi said he is determined to turn his life around.
“I wish everyone could be like Mandela. May his spirit of selflessness descend upon us. We should love and help each other,” he said.
He also shared a message for South African youth.
“Young ones, listen to your elders. You don’t want to make the same mistakes I did and destroy your lives,” he warned.
Speaking with IOL News about Mandela Day, independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego said South Africa has lost sight of the true meaning of philanthropy.
“I think there’s a problem with South Africa’s understanding of philanthropy,” Mashego said.
“The whole concept of 67 minutes was to help other people.”
He added that Mandela Day used to be about tangible acts of service like painting and restoring public infrastructure.
“We don’t see much of what Mandela stood for happening anymore…This concept came from the urge to get people into self-sustainability,” Mashego added.
IOL News