January 12, 2005
By Bafana Nzimande
NELSON Mandela's 46664 campaign is set to reposition itself - from raising awareness of the HIV and Aids pandemic, to encouraging people to become volunteers in the fight against the disease.
Kwaito favourites Mzekezeke and Bouga Luv take time to visit the children cared for by the Ikageng Itireleng Aids Ministry in Soweto
Photo: Ruphin Coudyzer
The first salvo came from Mandela himself during a press conference on Thursday 6 January, where he spoke of his son Makgatho Mandela's death that morning from an Aids-related illness.
Through the launch of the 46664 volunteer campaign, organisers aim to highlight and revive "the voluntarism spirit".
"The 46664 volunteer campaign is aimed at reviving South Africa's goodwill spirit, particular in the rural areas where community members have taken it on themselves to help those in need, hence the campaign is aimed at highlighting and reviving that spirit of voluntarism," says the programme manager, Merlyn van Voore.
"The beauty of this campaign," Van Voore adds, "is that it does not require people to dig into their pockets. Instead it encourages people to join in the war against inhumanity by showing compassion and by volunteering their time to support those who are infected, because surely we are all affected by this pandemic."
A hotline has been set up for anyone interesting in joining the fight. To find out more, or to volunteer, call 0800 046664.
So far about 10 000 people have registered as 46664 volunteers, according to Van Voore.
First launched in 2003, the 46664 campaign - named after Mandela's prison number - drew local and international musicians to a massive music concert held in Cape Town.
Now the campaign is seeking "to build on this foundation and strengthen its impact in the fight against HIV and Aids", according to a press release.
It now wants to "to inspire ordinary South Africans and businesses to take personal responsibility in the fight against Aids".
"The campaign is forming partnerships with business and civil society to mobilise their employees, members and customers," according to the organisation.
So far several businesses - including ABSA, Digital Mall and Pick 'n Pay - have answered the call with social responsibility projects and by encouraging their employees to give of their time.
Local and international celebrities have also taken up the cause, with kwaito star Mandoza and Hollywood actor Will Smith recently being appointed as 46664 ambassadors.
Recently kwaito favourites Mzekezeke, Ghetto Lingo and Bouga Luv visited the Ikageng Itireleng Aids Ministry, in Orlando, Soweto, which caters for 139 child-headed families that have lost their parents to the disease. The centre, founded by Carol Dyantyi, provides refuge to more than 300 children orphaned by Aids.
"It's really encouraging to see local youth icons positively using their celebrity status to help influence more people to take personal responsibility in the fight against Aids", Van Voore says.
"Volunteering has to be a lifestyle choice, just like going to work or to a gym. We need to make time," according to the director of Volunteer South Africa, Joan Daries.
Anyone who wants to register as a volunteer or who wants more information can call 0800 046664, or SMS 08388 9429 46664. For further information visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation website on or email volunteer46664@nelsonmandela.org.
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