Centenary bracelet launched in honour of Madiba

The launch of the bracelet is part of an initiative by Relate Trust which is aiming to raise R100 million for job creation and literacy.

Relate CEO Neil Robinson says they have a history of raising money for charities. 

“At Relate, we sell bracelets all around the world to raise money for charities like the Long Walk to Freedom Foundation. We have raised over R50million in the last seven years and support around 100 charities around the world."

Robert Coutts, of the Mandela Education Programme, says the bracelet will alleviate poverty through job creation. 

“When we talk about what happens with this bracelet is that it creates jobs for the people that make it. Someone in South Africa is getting a job to make a difference.

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“The second part of this bracelet is that it creates funds for the Nelson Mandela Education Project and that education project's primary goal this year is around literacy and creating libraries in schools.''

Relate and the Nelson Mandela Foundation is aiming to build libraries at 94 schools. 

“We need to meet 2 million children to have a lasting campaign," adds Coutts.

Madiba’s granddaughter Princess Zaziwe Manaway says she believes her grandfather would be proud of the initiative. 

“Education was so important to my grandfather and it was one thing he believed could change the lives of people. 

“He was so passionate about it and made sure that every single one of us was educated. If you did not go to school you were not taken seriously. This is one initiative that my grandfather was so passionate about. He understood the importance of literacy and education and there is no better way of honouring my grandfather’s legacy than support this course because this is what he wanted for the country.” 

The Centenary bracelet is available online and in major retailers around the country. 

The bracelets cost just under R50.