Mandela grateful for open hearts and hands - 67 Minutes on Mandela day 2009

Former president Nelson Mandela on Tuesday thanked people for their involvement in Mandela Day."We have been pleased, and honoured, by the way Mandela Day has been responded to. People have made it an occasion not to focus on one man, but rather to work with each other in communities to make the world a better place.

"Most importantly, they have gone beyond 67 minutes, or one day, and have found ways to promote continuing work that will make a difference. I thank each one of you who made a contribution. We value your continued support," Mandela said in a video message at a function in Midrand.

The function was to mark the 10th anniversaries of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Vodacom Foundation.The message was played at the presentation of the Gift of Giving Award where Kaya FM and the City of Matlosana were each awarded R67 000 for their efforts in promoting Mandela Day.

The Johannesburg-based radio station and the North West city said they would donate the money to community organisations.The Vodacom Foundation had given it to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to mark the organisations' tenth birthdays.The amounts of R67 000 were symbolic of the 67 minutes people were asked to give of their time on Mandela Day in honour of the 67 years Mandela had given in service.Acting Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Verne Harris, told the gathering: "The key measure of success for us remains the difference that we are making in the world. But our identity, our organisational ethos, is now shaped by the idea of people making a difference in the world."The life-work of Nelson Mandela is honoured and his legacy made, not by memorialisation of him, but by enduring commitments, big and small, to making the world a better place for all.

"Mandela Day mobilised energies which are critical to the rebuilding of social fabric in South Africa and beyond."The awards were accepted by Rose Thabanchu, the Speaker of the Municipality of Matlosana and Greg Maloka, Managing Director of Kaya FM. - Sapa