Nelson Mandela Day

On the initiative of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, the Scottish Government and ACTSA Scotland, this year saw the first marking of Nelson Mandela Day in Scotland. Recognised both in South Africa and internationally, Nelson Mandela's birthday has been declared a focus for community service of all kinds. In South Africa public figures are encouraged to join the wider community in 67 minutes of voluntary work to mark the 67 years that Nelson Mandela spent in public service - including the 27 years he served in prison for opposing apartheid. 9 tonnes of books in 1000 boxes were loaded into a container in Glasgow and were sent on their way to school libraries in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The South African High Commissioner, Dr Zola Skweyiya, gave a speech at the reception which was hosted by Glasgow City Council in the City Chambers.