Whenever we look for inspiration, hope and courage, we need look no further than the extraordinary life of our beloved father of the nation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Although Madiba left the world more than a decade ago, his remarkable legacy continues to inspire not only South Africans, but millions of people across the globe. Every year on July 18th, South Africans and indeed many across the globe celebrate Mandela Day in honour of Madiba’s birthday, with one of the most meaningful traditions of the day being to dedicate 67 minutes to serving others. The 67 minutes symbolize the 67 years that Madiba devoted to fighting for justice, equality and freedom for his people. Whether 67 minutes is devoted to visiting an elderly person, cleaning up a park, helping a neighbor or offering a helping hand to someone in need, every act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact. Dear kids, serving others with kindness and humility and making someone else’s day a little brighter can help to build a more caring, hopeful South Africa, just as Madiba envisioned. Take care, until next time…
Competition Rules
- The Editor’s decision is final.
- Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.
- This competition is open to all children between the ages of 6 and 12 years who live in the main distribution area of the LAUDIUM SUN.
- Closing date: Monday, August 10, 2026.
- All entries must be hand delivered at the Laudium Sun office, Jhina Centre, Laudium CBD, or E-mail: info@laudiumsun.co.za or post to P.O Box 786, Pretoria, 0001 to reach us not later than the closing date.
- Only entries cut along the dotted line will be accepted, and must include a recent clear photograph of the entrant.
Congratulations To Our Winners!!!
Below are the three Kids Corner readers who really excelled in our June contest and are our chosen winners! And here we stress chosen winners…as the number of entries we receive each month never ceases to astonish us! It is amazing – and the quality absolutely breathtaking (our judges certainly have their work cut out for them!) We are thrilled! To think that such incredible talent lies in the hands of our young readers! What a great thought, knowing that we can expect only great things from you! We’d say, keep it up, but we just know that’s what you plan on doing in any case, without any prompting from us! Let’s rather say, keep us amazed!
Did you know?
- Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape.
- His birth name was Rolihlahla Mandela, but his English teacher gave him the English name Nelson, on his first day at school.
- Madiba spent 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid.
- In 1994, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected President.
- Mandela Day encourages people to dedicate 67 minutes of service to others, representing the 67 years Madiba devoted to the struggle for freedom.
Nelson Mandela Quotes
- “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
- “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
- “It always seems impossible until its done.”
- “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”
Smile-a-while
Q: What did Madiba say to the broken pencil?
A: “Let us make peace and draw together.”
Q: Why did the leader bring a ladder to the meeting?
A: To reach the highest goals.
Q: How do you know Madiba was great at math?
A: He knew how to unite different fractions.
Q: Why did the peacemaker carry a map?
A: To help everyone find common ground.
Q: What is a Rainbow Nation’s favorite type of weather?
A: A sun-shiny day right after the rain.
Q: Why did the springbok go to school?
A: To learn how to leap into a bright future.
Q: Why did the safari animal want to be a leader?
A: To help the whole herd walk together.