The theme for Mandela Day this year is “do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. This simple, powerful idea inspires us in Cape Town. 

We are doing what we can, with what we have to build a better future for all Capetonians to make our city more inclusive and prosperous, and to give every resident a reason to be optimistic. 

The message of Nelson Mandela’s life was one of simple service to others. In Cape Town we see all our work as service - and that’s what makes it so meaningful. 

Today I spent my 67 minutes doing veggie gardening, and building chicken coops at the Philippi Village project. This project is an oasis in a very poor community, and is part of a wider “Food Dialogues” project where the City of Cape Town is a partner. The project’s aim is to develop better and more resilient local food systems in our city.  

Happy #MandelaDay everyone! Join us in building a better city for everyone.