UN Police celebrate Mandela Day in Wau

24 Jul 2014

UN Police celebrate Mandela Day in Wau

18 July 2014 - South African UN Police (UNPOL) officers based in the Western Bahr El-Ghazal State capital Wau today commemorated Nelson Mandela Day at the protection site on the UNMISS base.

Mandela Day is an annual international Day to honour the legacy of the former South African president who died in December 2013.

The day, declared by the UN General Assembly in November 2009, is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and ability to make an impact.

“The day calls on all (of us) to do something for 67 minutes … to make someone smile or (to make) any charitable contribution,” said UNPOL Advisor Premilla Devi Nair.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” she added, as she made a presentation on the life of Mr. Mandela, who she described as one of the greatest men who ever lived, fought for freedom and won.

“The personality of Nelson Mandela reminds me of our freedom,” said Bab Koang, a representative of the internally displaced people.

He acknowledged the role played by Nelson Mandela for the sake of South Africa and compared it to the role UNMISS played in protecting South Sudanese during the current crisis.

To celebrate the day, UNPOL Advisors joined children at the protection site in sports and cultural dances. They also presented the children with small gifts.