Heritage Month: Honouring Our Legacy and History
This September, we commemorated South Africa’s Heritage Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate our diverse cultural roots, traditions, and history. Heritage Day, celebrated annually on the 24th of September, serves as a reminder of our shared journey and the rich heritage that binds us together as a nation. MLF remains steadfast in its mission to honour and uphold the values of unity, social justice, and empowerment that form the cornerstone of our work.
As we celebrated this month of heritage, we were reminded of the indelible mark left by our leaders and co-founders. Our work continues to be a testament to their enduring legacies, ensuring that their values and visions for a just and equitable society are not just remembered but actively implemented.
A Year Without Zoleka Mandela
This September marks one year since the passing of Zoleka Mandela, a cherished member of the Mandela family and a beloved advocate for cancer awareness, mental health, and road safety. Grief has taken on many forms and manifestations over the last year, the one thing that simply will not change is just how much we miss her. Her absence has taken on a presence of its own that is unshakable.
Image by Thamsanqa Ntuli
For Grief by John O’Donohue
“When you lose someone you love,
Your life becomes strange,
The ground beneath you becomes fragile,
Your thoughts make your eyes unsure;
And some dead echo drags your voice down
Where words have no confidence
Your heart has grown heavy with loss;
And though this loss has wounded others too,
No one knows what has been taken from you
When the silence of absence deepens.”
…
We thank you for the continued love and support for Zoleka and her children.
Peace. Passion. Positivity
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
On the 26th of September, we remembered and celebrated the birthday of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a towering figure in the fight for South Africa’s liberation and co-founder of the Mandela Legacy Foundation. Known as the “Mother of the Nation,” Mama Winnie’s life was a testament to resilience, courage, and her unwavering commitment to the liberation of her people.
Her legacy lives on through the work we do at MLF. From promoting women’s empowerment to advancing social justice, Mama Winnie’s spirit fuels our ongoing initiatives. Her vision was not merely to remember the past but to build a future where her people could flourish, empowered and free.
This month, we honoured her contributions and reflected on her impact, reminding ourselves of the words she often echoed:
“I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy.”
Her enduring impact resonates in our continued efforts to empower communities, uphold justice, and advocate for the rights and dignity of all people. We draw inspiration from her life as we strive to build a more equitable society.
Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Future Together
As we move into the final quarter of the year, we remain focused on creating meaningful change through our partnerships and community-driven initiatives. MLF is committed to fostering heritage and history, while looking forward to a future where the principles of justice, unity, and empowerment are realized for all.
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the MLF journey. Together, we will continue to build a legacy that commemorates our past and champions a brighter, more inclusive future.
