Letters of Hope and Pride - That Madiba Magic

The 46664 Bangle initiative has been bringing hope and dignity to people in South Africa, since its inception in 2008. Now we can see examples of the positive impact this official wrist bracelet in support of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation has had on the lives of those handcrafting the bracelet and its packaging.

In rural White River, an area in Mpumulanga, South Africa, with high statistics of HIV/AIDS, the 46664 Bangle project has created jobs and made a difference to people like Beauty Mazabuko, who says “It helps the people that are having HIV and AIDS. Also the children are affected by that disease.”

Sipho Mashego adds, “It is a great honour to be part of the Mandela Bangle; the man who didn’t want to shine in the limelight but known worldwide.”

This heartwarming collection of letters from some of the team who work on the 46664 Bangle, describes the significance and pride associated with their work. In the words of Mirriam Shabangu, “The bangles are made so that [Nelson Mandela’s] selfless contribution should be known by everyone, even the future generations.”

Clearly, it’s not just the income and skills the project provides, but it’s also the honor and pride felt to be associated with something so closely linked to Africa’s most favorite and most famous resident, Nelson Mandela. As Walter says, “You know what, everybody loves Mandela, and I do too.”

Read more in letters from Beauty, Mirriam, Nester, Sipho, Walter and Yvonne.

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