3 July 2014
67 houses in one week – this is the target that’s been set for International Nelson Mandela Build Week, an ambitious project that will run from 14 to 18 July in Pelican Park, the largest integrated development project in the Western Cape.
The drive will include a 24-hour build on the fourth day of the week in the lead-up to Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday, 18 July. Thursday, 17 July will see teams of volunteers working around the clock in a 24-hour “blitz build” to exceed the target of 67 new houses in one week.
The project, run by Habitat for Humanity South Africa in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, will honour the Mandela Day call for individuals and organisations to take action to change the world for the better and, in doing so, to help build a global movement for good.
“To achieve this, Habitat needs your help and is asking for your support in helping to raise the required funding and also volunteering your time on-site to build the houses,” says Habitat marketing manager Adrienne Burke.
“Working together under the guidance of qualified artisans, volunteers, beneficiaries and community members will lend a hand in mixing cement, passing building blocks, erecting, plastering and bagging walls, to name just a few of the tasks at hand.”
Mandela Day, the final day of the build week, will be commemorated with the official handover of the 67 houses to their new owners.
Burke said the day would “signify South Africans coming together, taking action, and in the process bringing to life Nelson Mandela’s legacy in his values, his vision and his leadership, moving several steps closer to building the country of our dreams.”
Individuals or organisations wishing to be part of International Nelson Mandela Build Week can contact Adrienne Burke at adrienneb@habitat.org.za or e-mail info@habitat.org.za.
SAinfo reporter
