Buy a Bangle, Change a Life.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

For close to three years we’ve dedicated many hours to the 46664 Bangle project – and we’ve done our best to keep promoting the good work of this inspiring initiative in support of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

It requires consistent focus for a Blog to be interesting and useful, and we’re no longer able to maintain a regular blog feed for the 46664 Bangle on this particular web site.

This blog is rich with content on Madiba, 46664, the 46664 Bangle, news from the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and many humanitarian and HIV AIDS-related stories and updates. Feel free to browse our archives and enjoy the wealth of information!

We’re active on Facebook and Twitter – please do join our conversations there and talk to others about this great initiative; encouraging others to buy a 46664 Bangle.

Also … remember Nelson Mandela Day – not only on July 18, which is Nelson Mandela’s birthday – but consider what you can do every day, in honor of Madiba's service to humanity and his legacy of social justice.

Thank you for your continued support!

New 46664 Clothing to Raise Funds and Promote Mandela's Humanitarian Legacy

The Nelson Mandela Fundation plans to launch a clothing range in August to raise funds and promote Mandela's humanitarian legacy. Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO and 46664 board member, Achmat Dangor, said it could no longer depend on philanthropy to fund awareness-raising and projects like Nelson Mandela Day.

"46664 needs reliable and sustainable income streams, something we believe the 46664 apparel can significantly contribute to," he said.

"There's resistance to commercialisation of Mandela," he continued, however, "We will not use Madiba's image or name in any of our merchandise... we will use his legacy, what he stands for...we do not need to use his face," Dangor said. The only logos or slogans featured would be the number '46664' and the image of an outstretched hand - reminding pepole of the 46664 saying,"It's In Our Hands".

Like the 46664 Bangle project (the bracelet engraved with Nelson Mandela's hand and his prisoner number), when you buy 46664 clothing you are investing in a process that will help spread the legacy of Nelson Mandela by supporting the long-term sustainability of 46664. As Achmat Dangor says, “You will also be empowering young people in communities out there and creating a platform for global change.”

Source: The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the 46664 Campaign.

Ricky Gervais in Support of 46664 Campaign

Ricky Gervais and 46664 - It's In Our Hands

Funny man, Ricky Gervais, (hosting the Golden Globes tonight – January 16th) gets serious in this video, in support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation 46664. He mentions AIDS statistics
One in four people in sub-Saharan Africa are living with HIV AIDS.

HIV AIDS has killed more people in the last decade than all the wars and disasters of the past fifty years.

And finishes with the 46664 slogan, “It’s In Our Hands” - it’s in our hands to make a difference.

46664 Ambassador, Annie Lennox

Born on December 25th, Annie Lennox talks about how her new album, A Christmas Cornucopia, was inspired by her working class background and nostalgia for the spirit of Christmas.

"People love to touch base with something that is a bit traditional and is about celebration. Even if they are not church-goers, people will pop into church and sing a few Christmas carols. It's a nice thing, especially if people have kids."

Annie is becoming increasingly recognized for her AIDS/HIV charity work on behalf of Nelson Mandela's 46664 charity and The Sing Campaign, which she established in 2007. This year, she was named International Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS called UNAIDS.

Buying a 46664 Bangle Bracelet Makes a Positive Impact on Those in Need

Annie has even teamed up with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, by becoming his unpaid HIV ambassador. She has become a Scottish ambassador for HIV/AIDS, through the Scottish parliament.

"There is a huge pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa and all around the world but in the UK, we still have an issue with HIV and AIDS and we need to address it, especially when it comes to young people. I just feel that was a way to help me broaden my platform.

Annie’s words about the nobility of the human race sets the tone for a Christmas and New Year where we “support others to help themselves”.

Make A Difference Day - October 23rd

It' s just over three months since Mandela Day on QJuly 18th - perfect timing to remember the ethos of the worldwide campaign for "ordinary people to do extraordinary things" and contribute in some way to their community.

October 23rd is Make A Difference Day in the US, the nation's largest day of service, and many of the messages echo those of the spirit of Mandela Day and of the 46664 Bangle initiative.

Wearing the official 46664 Bangle is a daily reminder of the power of individuals to help those in need. Make A Difference Day is a call to make that happen in your community on October 23rd. Last year, 3 million people volunteered to help in their communities on Make A Difference Day.

See here for inspiration on how to make a difference in the lives of others; not just on this day, but every day. Find out what's going on in your community, and how you can volunteer. Happy MDDAY from the 46664 Bangle team!

46664 Bangle and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17th is World Poverty Day, and this year's theme is "From poverty to decent work: bridging the gap."

Could there be a more appropriate theme that relates directly to the 46664 Bangle project!

This year, the United Nations is focusing on sustainable models for economic stability through job creation. Through the small contribution of purchasing a 46664 Bangle, people around the world are supporting a project which creates employment for the less fortunate. The 46664 Bangle bracelet becomes a tangible reminder of global social issues; such as poverty, hunger, education and HIV AIDS prevention.

Every 46664 Bangle is handcrafted in South Africa, and even the packaging is made locally, to increase employment. Read these touching letters from people who have received income as a result of the 46664 Bangle project.

As the United Nations initiative reminds us,

"The campaign to make poverty history - a central moral challenge of our age - cannot remain a task for the few, it must become a calling for the many. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I urge everyone to join this struggle. Together, we can make real and sufficient progress towards the end of poverty." ~ United Nations Ex-Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, 17 October 2006".

46664 Bangle owners - wear your 46664 Bangle with extra pride on this day, knowing you have made a positive difference in the lives of others.

Read more here about the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Positive Voice About HIV AIDS

The opening sentence, “Emma Cole climbed into her coffin and lay, contemplating her death” is bound to get your attention.

Read more about how this brave lady responded to the life-changing news in 1991 that she was HIV positive.

She speaks frankly about the stigma and misconceptions of the disease – after all, many assume HIV AIDS is an unlikely disease for a heterosexual, one-partner woman.

A 46664 supporter and campaigner for HIV AIDS prevention, Emma has turned her experience as a woman living with HIV into a positive story of educating others, in the hope that the younger generation will not put themselves at risk. Through her initiative, Positive Voice, she visits school children across the United Kingdom and presents the facts about HIV AIDS.

Speaking at over 100 schools each year. She likes to think that, because she doesn’t fit the profile people might expect of an HIV-positive person, she shatters illusions that they have about the virus.

Emma is shocked at the lack of basic knowledge about HIV AIDS in schools. Education is key in driving awareness of HIV AIDS prevention, and it’s a core message of the 46664 Bangle project. People wearing the 46664 Bangle raise awareness about global social issues.

Every 46664 Bangle sold directs funds to HIV AIDS prevention projects, such as Khululeka, the theatre group that educates students in South Africa about HIV AIDS and how to behave responsibly.

It's through individual voices such Emma Cole's, and the voice of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, that we are able to continue education about global social issues. Read the full article about Emma Cole here and her September update on how she's feeling, here.

National Women's Day in South Africa - See Impact on Wellbeing of Children

As South Africa celebrates its women today, and acknowledges the important role they play as they juggle family, business and social responsibilities, we found this Unicef report on how the world's children are impacted by the way their mothers are treated.

The report focuses on the discrimination and disempowerment women face throughout their lives and how that impacts children’s lives. Key messages:

• Gender equality and the well-being of children go hand in hand.
• Gender equality furthers the cause of child survival and development.
• Gender equality produces a double dividend: It benefits both women and children
• Healthy, educated and empowered women have healthy, educated and confident daughters and sons.
• Gender equality will not only empower women to overcome poverty and live full and productive lives, but will better the lives of children, families and countries as well.
• Gender equality is not only morally right, it is pivotal to human progress and sustainable development
• Promoting gender equality and empowering women will contribute to reducing poverty and hunger, saving children’s lives, improving maternal health, ensuring universal education, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
  

Happy Women's Day to the women of the world, particularly those in South Africa who proudly work on the 46664 Bangle project. The 46664 Bangle project makes a direct difference in the lives of others. In the words of one of the ladies on the 46664 Bangle team, “The bangles are made so that [Nelson Mandela’s] selfless contribution should be known by everyone, even the future generations.”
Buy a Bangle, Change a Life.

This Week: 48-Year Anniversary of Nelson Mandela's Arrest

Photo: David Turnley-Corbis

On 5th August 1962, Nelson Mandela was arrested in South Africa, marking the beginnng of his 27 years imprisonment.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation urges us to acknowledge the sacrifices of all those who brought about democracy to South Africa. We can do that by trying to “make every day a Mandela Day”. When we see this as an opportunity to do something good for our community, especially for those less fortunate than us, then we continue the spirit of Mandela Day - long after the official date of July 18th.

The words of Nelson Mandela 48 years ago in what became known as his “Black man in a white man’s court” speech:

“Whatever sentence Your Worship sees fit to impose upon me for the crime for which I have been convicted before this court, may it rest assured that when my sentence has been completed I will still be moved, as men are always moved, by their consciences; I will still be moved by my dislike of the race discrimination against my people when I come out from serving my sentence, to take up again, as best I can, the struggle for the removal of those injustices until they are finally abolished once and for all.”

As we support the 46664 Bangle project and the 46664 campaign messages about equality, social responsibility and justice, these words inspire us to make every day a Mandela Day, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Ariel Dorfman Delivers Thought-Provoking Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture

Chilean-American author, writer and human rights activist, Ariel Dorfman, delivered the Eighth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on July 31 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The theme of his lecture was memory, justice and reconciliation. Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO, Achmat Dangor, opened the lecture which was attended by an audience of 2,000 people.

The audience was reminded that “Memory does not exist in a vacuum,” and that we need to allow diverse memories and interpretations of history to coexist if we are to reconcile, even in our differences.

Emphasising the importance of justice being done in the name of future generations, rather than of retribution, Dorfman said, “We cannot undo the damage of the past, but must strive instead to undo the damage to the future, we must prove in our actions tomorrow that we have learned from the terrors and sins of yesteryear.”

He ended by saying:

“There is no guarantee that we will ever reach the deep reconciliation we need as a species. Indeed, I tend to think that some damage done is irreparable. But when despair visits me, I hold onto the image of the garden, a garden that grows like memories should. A garden that grows as justice should. A garden that grows like true reconciliation should.”

“We need to always remember the multiple, infinite gardens of Nelson Mandela and his people.”

See video footage of the Eighth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture here
Read more information at the Nelson Mandela Foundation

Support the 46664 Campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation by buying an official 46664 Bangle bracelet here

Nelson Mandela Day A Tremendous Success

We saw people planting trees, handing out food to the homeless, visiting orphanages, meditating for world peace, and countless other activities to make a difference to their communities on Nelson Mandela Day on Sunday, July 18.

It was an extra meaningful day to wear your 46664 Bangle bracelet as a reminder of the leadership of Nelson Mandela and how each of us can make a positive impact through even the smallest actions.



Morgan Freeman starts the Nelson Mandela Day road trip




Celebrities, sports stars and political leaders around the world mucked in and did their bit, adding glamorous muscle to the celebration of Nelson Mandela Day. But it was the collective power of the individual actions that was particularly inspiring, as communities came together to enjoy helping others in less fortunate situations than themselves – which is the very essence of Nelson Mandela Day.

In the words of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, who thanked people worldwide for their participation:

Let the wonderful work that people have done with and within communities now continue, and people and organisations should establish ongoing relationships with the various charities that they assisted.

Wear a 46664 Bangle on your wrist, keep Madiba in your heart, and make every day a Mandela Day.

The Elders Talk About Nelson Mandela Day (See Video)

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It is time for the next generations to continue our struggle against social injustice and for the rights of humanity. It is in your hands.” (Nelson Mandela, London, 2008).

See video of The Elders visiting Nelson Mandela and supporting Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela’s birthday (July 18th) is officially known as Mandela Day around the world, honoring his work and that of his charitable organizations, to ensure his legacy continues forever.

Every individual has the power to make a difference, no matter how small. Mandela Day is a global call to action for people to recognize their individual ability to make an imprint and change the world around them. The concept is simple: Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. Mandela Day calls for people around the world to give 67 minutes of their time to help out in their local communities and charities organizations. People around the world are wearing their 46664 Bangle bracelets with extra pride on this day.

As Nelson Mandela’s wife, Graça Machel, says, “I encourage every one of us to own the values he represents, to implement in your own small or big way, but it will be a huge contribution to make our world loving, caring and supportive to each one of us.”

Can you give 67 minutes to help others?

Mandela Day – What’s It All About?

Do you have a spare 67 minutes to make a difference? Then you’re ready to join the world celebration of Nelson Mandela Day on July 18th.

Nelson Mandela Day is an international day recognized by the United Nations in honor of Nelson Mandela’s birthday where he celebrates by asking everyone to help make the world better, healthier and just. As Madiba (Nelson Mandela) turns 92 this Sunday, in honor of his 67 years of service to humanity, you can wish him a happy birthday by donating 67 minutes of your time to doing something good for others.

It’s a global call to action for people to recognize their individual ability to make an imprint and change the world around them. Mandela Day inspires people from every corner of the world to embrace the values that have embodied Nelson Mandela’s life – democracy; equality; reconciliation; diversity; responsibility; respect and freedom.

Last year’s inaugural Mandela Day was launched in Los Angeles, and supported by celebrities such as Forest Whitaker, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Sharon Stone, and Alfre Woodard. A Mandela Day concert in New York city on July 18 followed as Whoopi Goldberg, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Susan Sarandon, Stevie Wonder, Lil’ Kim, Cyndi Lauper, Will.i.am, Freshlyground and many others contributed their time and talent to the fundraiser event. Many of the artists were wearing their 46664 Bangle bracelets, reinforcing the philanthropic messages of the 46664 campaign. Wear your 46664 Bangle with extra pride on Mandela Day!

Visit these sites for inspiration on how you can make a positive impact in your community on this year’s Mandela Day:
Great ideas from Sir Richard Branson, who supports the 46664 Campaign!
Participate in the Mandela Day celebrations
Post your Mandela Day birthday wish on the 46664 Bangle fan page

South Africa’s World Cup Pride and Hope

We may be biased, but could there have been a more vibrant, colorful and happier host country in the history of the FIFA World Cup than South Africa? From the love-it/hate-it vuvuzela to the scenes of national pride around the country, to the jubilation when a beaming Nelson Mandela appeared at the closing ceremony; the 2010 tournament will be remembered by many as a joyful celebration of football.

It was also an immensely successful event for the South African hosts, who more than exceeded the world’s expectations. With world-class football stadiums, efficient transport arrangements and the added blessing of spectacular scenery, South Africa’s World Cup 2010 has been described as a resounding success.

South African national pride reached bursting point on July 11th, when Madiba (Nelson Mandela) arrived to do a lap of honor with his wife, Graça Machel, and the cheering of the crowd drowned out even the vuvuzela drone at Soccer City stadium.

Knowing how much it would benefit the continent of Africa, Mandela had campaigned for years to host the World Cup, despite critics’ concerns that South Africa could handle the world’s biggest sporting event. Nelson Mandela also saw once again how sport could play a defining role in reaching across the racial divide and uniting his country. In a letter to FIFA, Mandela said that the tournament “symbolizes the power of football to bring people together from all over the world, regardless of language, the color of one’s skin, political or religious persuasion.”

It was Nelson Mandela who chose a path of reconciliation in 1995, embracing the mostly-white sport of rugby and urging all South Africans to support their team (One Team, One Nation) in the international World Cup Rugby tournament, as played out in the movie, Invictus.

Fast forward to fifteen years later, and we saw all South Africans proudly wearing the yellow and green of the Bafana Bafana football team, singing the national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica and cheering as one when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the first goal of the tournament. As South African President, Jacob Zuma, said, “We are truly excited by the success and the spirit engulfing the country. For the first time ever in the 16 years of freedom and democracy, we see black and white South Africans celebrating together in the stadiums and fan parks.”

And now that the party is over? South Africa boosted its infrastructure with the building of stadiums, improved roads, hospitals, airports and hospitality facilities. The precise financial benefit is yet to be confirmed, but one million tourists brought their spending money to the country and reports of 700 million people worldwide viewing the final match placed South Africa firmly in the international spotlight, promoting additional future tourism.


Whatever the financial outcome, as international accents fade away and fly to their home countries and South Africa returns to normality, the World Cup event has arguably added to the healing and unity which began in 1995. It has also created a positive atmosphere that is conducive to addressing the reality of the country’s challenges.


Danny Jordaan, the tournament’s top organizer, commented on the gift of the World Cup to South Africa:

“The contribution to this society is the new sense of pride, walking tall and being united. This World Cup created a platform for South Africans to sit together and discover their own sense of pride and their concerns and their hope for the future.”

We at the 46664 Bangle project wish South Africa every success in
realizing those dreams.

46664 Campaign Empowers Communities in Mozambique

The Foundation for Community Development (FDC) is a civic organization started by Graça Machel, the former Mozambican First Lady and the wife of Nelson Mandela. The FDC, with help from 46664 and other funders, is empowering communities to uplift themselves and their children through a skills development program called Tecendo a Vida (“Weaving Life”). The FDC is trying to move away from the traditional aid models that provide developing countries with resources but seldom encourage sustainability.

FDC runs sustainable social programs in Mozambique and aims to empower people by strengthening community structures and decision making processes and giving communities ownership of their future. The FDC provides very little direct funding to communities, but does provide constant support from the project implementation agency, Mbatilamukene.

Field workers help solve a variety of development problems, from creating hygienic sewerage systems to encouraging people to diversify their diets by growing their own fruit and vegetables. People learn to rely on themselves providing a platform for sustainable solutions. With this philosophy in mind, the FDC is helping to tackle the issue of HIV/AIDS by encouraging communities to tackle the underlying social problems which will help to reduce HIV infection rates.

The 46664 Bangle project contributes funds to support the 46664 Campaigns of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

46664 Ambassador, Annie Lennox, Gives Voice to Women With HIV

Annie Lennox is an HIV AIDS activist and a 46664 ambassador

From the United Nations News Center: As lead singer of the band Eurythmics and a solo artist, Annie Lennox is known around the world for a successful music career that spans over three decades. In her new role as a celebrity advocate for the United Nations, she is giving voice to millions of women and girls suffering with HIV and AIDS, an issue close to the heart of this mother of two daughters.

“As a woman and a mother, I have a direct experience with what parenthood is about and I appreciate how precious every child is to their parent,” Ms. Lennox said in an interview with the UN News Centre.

“That is something that is sacred and if we as mothers are not given the tools to survive and cope, educate and nourish, and protect our own children, there’s something really wrong.”

About 16 million women over the age of 15 are living with HIV worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa, women make up almost two-thirds of people living with HIV, according to the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). In many parts of the world, women have a higher risk of HIV than men.

Ms. Lennox, who was appointed as an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in June, is no stranger to social activism, having worked with organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

The 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation is a project close to Annie Lennox’s heart and she noted that if South Africa can make headway in addressing HIV and AIDS, it could serve as “a beacon of hope” for the entire continent. The 46664 Bangle project echoes these hopes.

Beauty and the Bangle: Miss World Representatives Wear the 46664 Bangle

Miss Chile, Miss Japan, Miss Cameroon and Miss USA wearing the 46664 Bangle bracelet

Looking good took on a new meaning this week in South Africa, as Miss World representatives wore the 46664 Bangle bracelet to raise awareness for the HIV/AIDS prevention campaign in support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation..

Over the years, the Miss World event has raised more than $400 million in support of children’s charities worldwide, and philanthropy has become an integral part of the pageant. The Beauty with a Purpose award recognizes the Miss World contestant who has made a real difference to people in need as they volunteer their time and efforts towards a local charity. As these beautiful young women highlight the importance of humanitarian campaigns, they bring hope to thousands of people in need, making the world a better place.

Thank you for your support. Beauty with a purpose, indeed!

Reggie Bush Supports 46664 Bangle Initiative on World Cup 2010 Visit

In this video, Reggie Bush proudly wears his beautiful silver 46664 Bangle, talks about bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS and taking that message back to the States.

The New Orleans Saints American football star is in South Africa to support the US team for World Cup 2010. He visited the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s offices as well as the 46664 Bangle workshop to learn more about the work that the Foundation and 46664 does in South Africa and across the continent.

46664 Bangle employees were excited to meet Reggie Bush in Johannesburg as he heard more about how the 46664 Bangle initiative contributes to the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

Reggie talked about helping to raise awareness about HIV AIDS and how he would like to bring that awareness back to the States.

Thanks and appreciation to Reggie Bush for making his World Cup visit to South Africa a meaningful one!

Taking In More Than Football - Sports Stars at World Cup Support 46664 Bangle

In an extraordinarily dramatic World Cup so far; from underdog wins to referee upsets and players on strike, it's good to see international superstars take a step back from football (or soccer, as we call it in the US) and make time to experience different facets of South Africa.

There was great excitement when Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints, Thomas Williams of the New England Patriots, and legendary French football ambassador Zinedine Zidane visited the 46664 Bangle workshop; meeting some of the employees and learning more about the project's contribution to HIV/AIDS prevention.

Reggie Bush praised how the 46664 Bangle project "does a lot of good for HIV/AIDS awareness and I hope that I can help by bringing more awareness to the issue.”

The stars also spent time at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, learning more about the work that the Foundation and 46664 does in South Africa and across the continent. Nelson Mandela Foundation spokesman, Sello Hatang, said that Reggie Bush "was here to show his commitment and support for the foundation and its work, and to make sure that we can make Mandela's legacy live forever".

Zinedine Zidane spoke passionately of Nelson Mandela, "he has written history, great history with a great H" and "this man is very, very special.” We agree!

Mandela’s Vision Comes True as World Cup 2010 Unites South Africans

Amid the buzzing of the vuvuzelas and the exuberant cheers of the crowd, there was a moment of sadness at the opening match when South African President, Jacob Zuma, referred to the tragic news of the death of Nelson Mandela’s great-granddaughter the night before the opening match.

A mourning Madiba, South Africa’s beloved anti-apartheid icon, could not join in on the explosion of emotion and national pride at the opening ceremony, but the crowd of 95,000 at Soccer City roared its approval when President Jacob Zuma delivered Mandela’s message to enjoy the football – “The spirit of Mandela is in Soccer City”. And indeed it was.

South African team, Bafana Bafana, played a gutsy and passionate game, scoring the very first goal of the World Cup, in their match against Mexico. Although the match ended in a 1-1 draw, spirits ran high as fans celebrated their 83rd ranked team’s results against Mexico, ranked at 17. The sea of multi-colored faces – waving South African flags, trumpeting on their vuvuzelas, and proudly wearing their makarabas, showed the kind of unity Nelson Mandela has always dreamed of.

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.” – Nelson Mandela

Whatever the challenges are in this rainbow-colored nation, sport has once again reached across the racial divide and today the sun shines brightly in South Africa, fulfilling Madiba’s vision of sports uniting his nation. As FIFA president Sepp Blatter said recently, “Let’s celebrate the most charismatic humanist alive – Nelson Mandela”. Feel the pride of South Africans and read their positive messages here.