Ronell Jordaan of Ikamva Labantu discusses Mandela day activities and Ikamva Labantu
In light of June’s #ThemeOfTheMonth being Mandela Month, we decided to chat to Fundraising and Communications Manager of Ikamva Labantu, Ronell Jordaan. Ikamva Labantu is one of South Africa’s largest non-government organisations and is committed to creating sustainable socio-economic change in Cape Town’s township communities.
- What inspired you to join the Ikamva Labantu team?
Having worked for a well-established fundraising organisation, I was eager to take those skills into management and add value to a community driven, long standing, respected and large non-profit organisation. I guess I can compare myself to any person who invests in a charity. Just like a donor, I try to seek out where my investment (of time) will yield the best return and Ikamva Labantu’s influence and impact on communities has certainly shown great returns, making every effort worthwhile.
- What motivates you each and every day to do your best in contributing to help the underprivileged communities in Cape Town?
For many years, while working in various public sector and civil society organisations, I liked to think of myself as informed about the issues the development world is trying to solve. Through Ikamva Labantu, I’ve learnt of my own ignorance and the extent of need in Cape Town’s townships. This organisation has made communities accessible to me in a new way. Even our most generous supporters can be humbled knowing that a 60-year-old man has recently used his month’s pension to add another room to their shack preschool in order to adequately serve their baby class for which he cares. That is just one amongst hundreds of examples of the generosity and care that exists in our communities and I am honoured to be a part of that in any way.
- In your opinion, why do you feel that it’s important to educate children and people around the world about Nelson Mandela and what he strived for?
The only way we can make sense of our present is through consideration of our past. I sincerely hope that, if children know the role Madiba played in creating our nation, they too would want to follow that trajectory. Nelson Mandela was a servant leader, sacrificing personal gain for that of a nation. His values were clear and I think children deserve to look up to a figurehead without having questioned his/her integrity, don’t we all?
- How do you feel Nelson Mandela has impacted South Africa has a whole, especially the underprivileged?
At worst, he has spread hope amongst all people and at best, and most likely, he has set in motion and accelerated transformation as the face of freedom and democracy for South Africa. I would like to think that, if every South African citizen places each of their steps on the path that Madiba set out, the entire nation would benefit.
Follow the MANGO-OMC social media channels for more news and updates on our #ThemeOfTheMonth and upcoming Q&A’s with industry leaders.