Mandela Day

Trade unions across Scotland support Mandela Day by launching a book appeal.

To celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and Action for Southern Africa Scotland (ACTSA) are asking people to donate children's books to be sent to school libraries in Nelson Mandela's home Province of Eastern Cape, with which Scotland has a particular link.

Along with supporting a wide range of activities to mark the occasion organised by ACTSA, Trade Unions will be opening up their offices across Scotland to the general public today as collection points for the book appeal.
 
Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said;
 
"Trade unions have been supporting ACTSA's book appeal for a number of years and have already sent container loads of books to South Africa. It is now nearly 8 months since Nelson Mandela’s death and it is right that Trade Unions should honour the work of this great man through our continuing support for ACTSA Scotland and Mandela Day. Nelson Mandela remains an inspirational figure and his birthday, now International Nelson Mandela Day, serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through voluntary and community work."
 
Brian Filling, Honorary Consul for South Africa and Chair, Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) Scotland said,
 
"This year's Mandela Day in Scotland is of particular significance as it is the first following the passing of Nelson Mandela and it falls on the eve of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The event to celebrate the life and struggle of Nelson Mandela at 1.30pm in Nelson Mandela Place will be very special as it will include Reflections by leading South Africans visiting Glasgow for the Games
 
"But it is also fitting that local people will be actively involved in Mandela Day by bringing books to various collection points throughout Scotland.  These books will go to libraries and schools in the Eastern Cape, where they are much needed following decades of colonialism and apartheid. ACTSA Scotland, in association with Community HEART, has sent almost 3 million books to South Africa since the end of apartheid.
 
"ACTSA Scotland and the South African High Commission welcome the support of the Scottish Government, the STUC, Glasgow City Council and the many volunteers for the Mandela Day activities, which are designed to make the world a better place for all. We would particularly like to thank the Scottish Trades Union Congress and individual Trade Union offices for allowing the use of their premises as book collection points."