Di’s Diary: Bikers for Mandela day 14 July 2016
Dear Diary, It’s 5 am in the middle of the ugly, Gauteng winter and it’s cold, dark, but its one of my favourite days in the year.
After much planning, packing and preparation, I’m on my way to join the 7th Bikers For Mandela day, departing from Braamfontein today.
It’s my 6th opportunity to be part of this experience - or rather privilege.
This is no ordinary bike trip, it’s a mission in the name of Nelson Mandela, to heed his call for the generations after him, to take over the responsibility of serving one another and the greater good.
In a year that’s been overshadowed by racism, censorship, accountability of our leaders and financial strife, it’s an opportunity to reflect on and revive the spirit of Madiba: To focus on serving, instead of being served, to love and respect all people, no strings attached, to believe in the power of ordinary individuals to effect positive change.
Small acts of kindness, makes a difference - all of us have it in us.
This morning, the bikers will visit Bethany Home in Braamfontein. It’s been a place of safety and refuge for women and children who have survived abuse since 1989.
The bikers will this morning plant a vegetable garden and refurbish the children’s playground at the home - our first 67 minute project of the journey.
I look forward to spending some quality time with dear and new friends, who every year give of their time, skill, compassion to serve this honourable cause.
Then it’s off to Nelspruit.