46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation put out the call for South Africans to participate in Mandela Day on 18 July by spending their time in active community service. The choice of activity was left to the individual and many people engaged in activities such as planting trees, spending time with orphans, or cleaning their neighbourhoods.

In celebration of Mandela Day, Tokyo Sexwale, the Minister of Human Settlements, and Nelson Mandela Foundation trustee, raised pledges amounting to R2.2-million during a live radio fundraiser on Talk Radio 702.

Talk Radio 702 dedicated three hours, during which Sexwale contacted some of South Africa’s prominent businesspeople and asked them to pledge funds for the cause.

The radio show, broadcast live on Mandela Day between 7am and 10am, was also aired on Cape Talk.

Talk Radio 702 Station Manager Pheladi Gwangwa said it was a privilege for 702 to dedicate its airwaves to such a worthy case.

She added that the fundraiser was an extension of the work they had already done towards Mandela Day and in helping to improve the lives of those less fortunate.

“We are proud to have made a contribution to the Nelson Mandela Foundation by providing our platform to challenge big business and community leaders to pledge their contributions and in turn help to make a difference in our country.”

“We are astounded by the public’s response to Tokyo’s call. Each and every pledge will be used towards the sustainability of the Nelson Mandela Foundation,” said Resource Mobilisation Manager Ruth Rensburg.

According to the Media Online website, big pledges included R250 000 from Dr Richard Friedland of Netcare. Other business leaders, including MIC CEO Paul Nkuna, Orlando Pirates Football Club’s Dr Irvin Khoza, Chairman Gijima Robert Gumede, Aspen Pharmacare Judy Dlamini and Chief Executive Officer of The IQ Business Group Dirk Ackerman, also heard the call and pledged their support for Mandela Day.