Nelson Mandela Foundation

Friday 13  December    Continue The  Long  Walk    Copyright Approved 1

Our nation stands together, united in our shock, sadness and gratitude to an extraordinary life. In response, many of us will participate in the important events and memorial services that have been announced for this coming week.

To further support these memorial moments, on Friday 13th December, South Africans are invited to demonstrate their commitment to take forward the values of Madiba by wearing their walking shoes or takkies to work. This is a symbolic commitment to continue the long walk Madiba started.

“This is a time of complex and profound emotion. Every day brings different feelings for each of us. We are inspired by President Zuma’s words when he said that we saw in him what we seek in ourselves”, said Anthony Prangley, a Johannesburg resident who is among the group of ordinary South Africans who conceived the idea.

Companies, government departments and other organisations can participate by inviting their staff to wear their takkies or walking shoes to work for the day.

“To complement the important formal and informal ceremonies around the country, this is an opportunity for each of us to internalise the values of Mandela and commit to take his work forward,” said Leon Mdiya, a fellow Johannesburg resident, who will also be wearing his takkies on Friday.

“This idea emerged from a conversation amongst a few younger South Africans about our own responsibility at this time. We want to show we are willing to step up,” said Prangley. “All that is needed is to lace up your takkies and join in.”

This idea belongs to anyone who likes it. It is not driven by a company or organisation. It is open to anyone who feels like participating. Companies and organisations, small and large, are invited to build on the idea in their own way, by taking photographs with their takkies on, by arranging symbolic group walks, by asking their communities to commit to improve our country.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a one step. On this day, let’s show our desire to keep Mandela’s legacy alive.

In the final paragraph of his autobiography, Nelson Mandela stated that “after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb”. Let’s not stop now. We can’t fill Madiba’s shoes, but we can put on our own. Let’s honour Madiba, follow in his footsteps and commit to continuing our long walk to freedom.