International Nelson Mandela Day – 18 July 2011

Nelson Mandela, humanitarian hero, beloved grandfather of the Rainbow Nation and its children, is turning 93 on 18 July 2011.

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela, everyone in South Africa and the world is asked to set aside 67 minutes on 18 July – Nelson Mandela’s birthday – to making their community a better place. For the first time, in 2011, an entire week is being set aside to create ‘Mandela Moments’. What will you be doing?

South Africa’s Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile has announced that from 11 to 18 July, everyone in South Africa, from parliamentarian to private citizen, is being called upon to uphold Madiba’s principles and volunteer 67 minutes to projects that will help uplift the lives of others.

Even before the week has started, the first reports of people’s projects started to appear in the news. In Soweto, a young boy chose to share his birthday with local children from a nearby orphanage.

The 67 minutes represent the number of years Nelson Mandela selflessly gave in service to his country.

Any group planning a Nelson Mandela Day activity is welcome to post it on the website www.forgood.co.za

People are being encouraged to donate time, money or resources to deserving causes.

Don’t know what to do? Here are a few things to choose from that will make your 67 minutes count:

• Go shopping for children’s toys, games, books, clothing, or go through your cupboards at home. Put one or two bags together and drop it off at a Children’s Home.
• Volunteer to serve food to homeless children. Alternatively, assist with starting a school vegetable garden at a needy school.
• Donate books to libraries
• Mentor young people
• Clean and green public spaces
• Assist work-seekers with job interview skills
• Clean a wall of graffiti
• Take a meal to a security guard
• Take flowers to a nurse
• Take home-baked goodies to a police station
• Write an encouraging letter to someone who does a lot for a little recognition
• Play an instrument or sing at an old age home
• Donate blood
• Signup at www.cheesekids.org.za or donate R 5 to their cause by sms’ing cheesekids to 37585
• Made a donation to the Nelson Mandela Foundation (www.nelsonmandela.org.za)
• Volunteer at a children’s charity and paint a wall to brighten up their day.

Make every day a Mandela Day.

Tell us what you’re going to be doing in your 67 minutes by leaving a comment on the blog.

Eco-Boutique Hotel in Chic Suburb of Melrose, Johannesburg

The 16 rooms are spread over the hotel's one acre garden and blend chic design with the latest technology.

The hotel features a bistro, champagne bar and boardroom. Described as 'contemporary, edgy and Afrocentric' by Conde Nast Traveller and nominated as South Africa's leading boutique hotel for the last two consecutive years, this is the ideal hangout for trendy travellers in the hunt for something out of the ordinary.

The hotel has a sustainability policy that includes eco-friendly solutions like solar water heating and grey water recycling, attracting business and leisure guests alike.

The centres of Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose Arch are all within ten minutes of the hotel.

Accommodation:

Offering sixteen bedrooms and suites located in the main house and gardens.

Garden Rooms:

These rooms overlook the lush landscaped gardens. They are designed for living and working with separate business and relaxation areas and a private patio or balcony. Indigenous African furnishings, crisp white sheets and Nguni skins give the rooms a natural feel.

House rooms:

Originally bedrooms in the old residence of the property, these rooms retain their Oregon wooden flooring. Designed to be spacious and fully modernised, they have living and working spaces. They can be adjoined across a landing for families or private groups..

Garden Suites:

The largest rooms at over 60 m2. They feature over-sized bathrooms and an open-plan bedroom & living space. Designed to allow simultaneous sharing of a work and relaxation space, the rooms have an espresso machine, and a hanging pod chair with views over their private patio or garden. Solar geysers and grey water recycling ensures the rooms are a key part of the hotel's sustainable strategy.

Each room features:

32" LCD TV

Free Wi-Fi

iPod SoundDock

'Raindance' Showers

Molten Brown products

Individual AC

King or twin beds

Work area

Laptop safe

Bistro & Champagne Bar:

The bistro is headed up by Greg Jardim, the head chef, and Robert Chifunyise (wine buyer). Recently renovated to have sandstone floors, deep leather couches and a walk-in wine cellar, the bistro is now becoming known for its regular wine evenings.

The Bistro's aim is to use locally-sourced suppliers and ingredients that are as organic as possible. Herbs come from the kitchen garden, the coffee is fair trade & 100% organic; lamb & beef is from 100% pasture-fed meat.

The Bistro is open Monday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open to the outside public.

On Sundays, the Bistro offers a breakfast and brunch with unlimited cap classique (South African sparkling wine), included for overnight guests. Outside guests are welcome to partake in this offer at R 150 per person.

Meetings and Events:

There are four rooms available which offer ideal venues for hosting meetings, events or private dinners.

The boardroom can seat up to 25 delegates and has a projector, screen, AV equipment and DVD. It can also be converted into a private dining room for lunches or dinners.

The library is ideal for small, discreet meetings seating up to five.

The wine cellar offers an intimate space for private dinners.

The bistro is also available (at certain times of the day) for private functions. It can seat up to 45.

Outdoors and Exploring:

The hotel has a swimming pool in the one acre garden and loungers and hanging chairs for relaxing. Tours can be arranged to Johannesburg's attractions: Township tours of Soweto and visits to the Apartheid Museum (http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/) & Constitution Hill (http://www.constitutionhill.org.za/)

Features:

16 Rooms and Suites

In-House bistro

Swimming pool and gardens

Boardroom and conferencing facilities

Library

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Gym (private access to adjacent Planet Fitness Gym)

Back-up generator and water system

Eco-friendly water, energy and design solutions


For enquiries and up-to-date rates, please contact info@theholidayzebra.co.za or call +27 722 88 3366.