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Mandela Day at new heights


Johannesburg, 22 Jul 2013

This Mandela Day, celebrated at the N' wa-mhinga Primary School, in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, included feeding at the soup kitchen, the planting of a vegetable garden, setting up a soccer and netball field, repainting and renovating the sick bay - and, finally - handing out gifts to 650 school children, jointly by Esquire Technologies and The Caring Women's Forum Pretoria.

Said Asgar Mahomed, MD of Esquire: "We have several charity events, which we host throughout the year. This, however, the International Mandela Day, is one of the most heartfelt for us."

Much has been said about the health of Nelson Mandela as he recovers, in hospital, on his 95th birthday, but leading computer distributor, Esquire Technologies, led the way at the 50th anniversary at a school, in Attridgeville, Pretoria.

Speaking at the event, attended by two of Mandela's grandchildren, was Ahmed Kathrada (84) - a former political prisoner and an anti-apartheid activist - who was in prison for more than 20 years.

Kathrada said Mandela left "a compelling legacy", one that was a beacon in the "unrelenting change in political and social policies in South Africa".

He said the country's education was vitally important and, without a good education system, the country could "not go forth". He noted that one of Mandela's prime focuses was on children, and on education. "We need experts in every field," said Kathrada.

With the demise of apartheid, every day is now "an open day" for South African children - and it is a chance to be seized, he said.

The Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Enver Surty, said he "took heart" knowing that more than 12 million school children would be celebrating Mandela's 95th birthday around the country by praying for his speedy recovery. Surty said among the aims of this year's birthday celebration was to wish for Mandela's full recovery, as well as to celebrate his birthday. Commenting further, Surty said it is remarkable that Mandela Day has been recognised by the United Nations - making Mandela the only person on the planet to be lauded in such a manner by the esteemed United Nations.

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Esquire Technologies

Esquire Technologies is a premier distributor of IT components, desktops, notebooks, peripherals and digital lifestyle products in southern Africa.

Esquire distributes world-renowned brands to resellers, distributors, system integrators and system builders in South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Esquire strives to deliver global Tier 1 technology products at the best price in the fastest turnaround time to local markets.

Esquire is a truly South African-owned black empowerment IT company, committed to the upliftment of its staff and the broader South African community.

Caring Women's Forum Pretoria

The Caring Women's Forum Pretoria (CWF) is a non-profit organisation which was established in 2005 and focuses on the uplifment of the community at large. Its motto is to empower. CWF aims to empower human beings to live a better quality life, while at the same time ensuring all funds collected are utilised 100% for its projects. None of the funds collected go into administrative expenses. CWF members do not take any salaries and do all work on a voluntary basis. All funds collected are from sponsors, local businesses as well as hosting of various fundraising events. CWF runs a weekly soup kitchen, distributes food hampers, has a yearly winter warmth project and funds bursaries that empower the youth and young women. Its future goal is to work towards running various soup kitchens in needy communities, as well as adopting a ward at the local hospital and starting up bakery projects, where the underprivileged will be taught the skill of baking and selling bread.

Editorial contacts

Asgar Mahomed
Esquire Technologies
(+27) 012 657 8500
ahmed@esquire.co.za