South African high commissioner to Tanzania Thunduyise Chiliza chops firewood at Mother Theresa of Calcutta orphanage at Mburahati in Dar es Salaam yesterday to mark Nelson Mandela Day.Dar es Salaam. The South African high commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Thunduyise Henry Chiliza, has reminded Africans to seriously learn from the journey of the first black South African president, Nelson Mandela, particularly on how to effectively wage liberation struggles for Africa.The envoy made the remark yesterday when he led hundreds of members of the diplomatic corps and other well-wishers to mark the UN International Nelson Mandela Day that coincided with the icon’s 95th birthday during celebration held in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Chiliza said there were many things that the father of South African people has done for humanity, especially in the struggle for freedom, overcoming racial and tribal differences and reconciliation.
He said as a gesture to honour and recognise Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, United Nations in Tanzania decided to organise a community service event at Missionaries of Charity Children’s home at Mburahati in Dar es Salaaam.
“Africa has a lot to learn from the father of South Africa who fought for our own freedom. We should also pray for him as he struggles to regain his health from a Pretoria hospital where he has been lying for over a month now,” he said.
Yesterday, Tanzanians joined other well-wishers across the world to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day, which was declared by the UN in November 2009.
For her part, in-charge of the house of the Missionaries of Charity Children’s home, Sister Bakhita said that the visit by diplomats to the centre was highly moving for the children, saying gifts and the time spent with them will leave them in a very cheerful mood given their state as vulnerable groups.
She said that Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity, peace and he has been at the forefront to make charitable donation to people living in difficult conditions. “We appreciate the donations you have given us. Such items as mosquito nets, clothes, sanitary ware, food, soap and other ladies stuff will be very helpful,” said Sister Bakhita.
The Mburahati Children’s home was established by Mother Theresa of Calcutta in 1978, and is managed by the Catholic Missionaries of Charity Congregation based at Mburahati.
The orphanage cares for the orphans from they the day they are registered there until their adulthood.
The congregation also take care of children with cerebral palsy and elderly residents who do not have relatives to look after them.
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