Photo: 67 minutes well spent: Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, staff and students, MMC, Cllr Vusi Soqaga, the Metro officials during Mandela Day commemoration.

The United Nations General Assembly voted a unique resolution that marks 18 July as an International Day to honour former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela for his 67 years of struggle for social justice and equality. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and positively impact their communities.

In recognition of his sacrifices, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), in partnership with the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, commemorated Nelson Mandela Day through a collaborative cleaning campaign in and around the streets of Bloemfontein under the theme ‘Solidarity in reducing climate change and food insecurity’. Both CUT and Mangaung Executives led the campaign.

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, said he is grateful to see staff and students participating in the cleaning campaign to commemorate the legacy of Madiba.” Working with the Mangaung Metro Municipality this morning confirms that we are natural partners - we as one of your corporate citizens and you as our city leadership. What we do at CUT has taught us many innovative lessons about the importance of making CUT the cleanest and greenest campus and part of our institutional thrust on issues of sustainable development”.

He added that the campaign is a practical response to sustainable development and livelihood challenges facing the country, province, city, and university community. “As a good citizen of Mangaung, CUT is determined to work with the metro to set an example for other citizens. Therefore, joining forces with the city on this course makes perfect sense. This is our modest way of contributing towards a liveable and sustainable environment in the metro and reducing our carbon footprint.” he said.

Photo: Prof. Alfred Ngowi, MEC for DESTEA, Mr Thabo Meeko, Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, setting an example for others to follow. The cleaning campaign is part of a practical response to sustainable development and livelihood challenges facing the country, province, city, and university community.

Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, Acting Executive Mayor of Mangaung, said he is over the moon to be serving his 67 minutes celebrating a leader of substance and structure, Dr Nelson Mandela. “CUT as an institution is commanding the resources needed in the city, which is a knowledge economy. As the city, we are thrilled to partner with the university community towards this important gesture, thus making a difference in the livelihoods of our communities at large.”