When asked about Madiba's relation to the homeless, Ambassador Sizani said: "Tata Madiba, who is precious to South Africans, through his 67 years of public service for our people has taught us and the world many things. He has taught us to stand up and stick to one's convictions against all adversities, to forgive and reconcile for the sake of a common and peaceful future, or to cherish and positively embrace our country's cultural and religious diversity. But above all this, he has been a champion of the rights of the most vulnerable and needy."

The International Mandela Day is a day of service to the community, a day to personally take concrete action against poverty, a day of compassion and of inclusivity. In this sense, the Mission's hands-on visit to Bahnhofsmission can be qualified as highly successful and symbolically precious. And as we now move towards the preparations for the Centenary Celebrations in 2018 - Mandela's 100th birthday - we call upon all the Embassy's friends and partners to take the late Madiba's request to heart: "It is in your hands to create a better world for all, who live in it".