“Poverty is not natural it is man-made and can be overcome by the action of humans” – Nelson Mandela

The 18th of July is Mandela’s Centenary, and this year’s theme is Action Against Poverty.  The Nelson Mandela Foundation is inspired by Madiba’s words: “The world remains beset by so much human suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands to make a difference.”  This Mandela Day the foundation is seeking both short-term and long-term solutions to end poverty and human suffering.

Homed in Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre Complex, Fine Music Radio has joined forces with their Artscape friends for this once in 100 year’s event. On the 18th of July, FMR and Artscape friends will pack lunchboxes for one of the Peninsular School Feeding Associations’ after school feeding programmes.

The formidable team includes volunteers from Artscape Management, Cape Town Opera, Cape Town City Ballet, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and FMR listeners.

CEO of Artscape, Marlene le Roux is passionate about upliftment, “It’s both an honour and privilege to give back, and alleviating poverty is what Nelson Mandela stood for. Artscape Theatre Complex is a cultural centre however it’s more than just a place to put on shows, it’s a place to make a difference. By helping the needy we are giving them dignity and support. I’m delighted that the Artscape family is coming together for 67 minutes.”

Mark Jennings, Station Manager of FMR concurs, “We are so fortunate that as a nation we have Madiba’s blueprint to carve our future. As a station we couldn’t imagine a better way to spend 67 minutes, than working alongside our listeners and Artscape friends to help Peninsular School Feeding, who feed 27 thousand underprivileged learners daily. ”

FMR’S 67 Minutes at Artscape is happening in Artscape’s Marble Foyer on Wednesday 18 July from 8:30 to 10:30am.  There are 20 spaces for FMR listeners, to register email MandelaDay@fmr.co.za.