Mandela Day is a day which is dedicated in tribute of the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values by means of volunteering and community service. Mandela Day is a global call to action that drives the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make a change.

The Mandela Day campaign message is:

“Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.”

For 67 years, Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humankind – as a Human Rights Attorney, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and as the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

Schnetler’s partook in Mandela Day as a firm. We believe that in order for South Africa to be a better country for every citizen, it starts with us, with the people of South Africa. Every citizen of South Africa needs to come together in order to fight for a better future for all.

We therefore chose to dedicate our 67 minutes to volunteering at an animal shelter, Fallen Angels, situated in Melkbosstrand. We when arrived, we presented our donation to the organisation, which included cat and dog food, food bowls, blankets and pillows and newspapers to line the enclosures. Thereafter we were offered a brief history of the shelter and it came to be in existence, followed by a tour of the grounds, as we listened to the sad stories of many of the dogs homed there. Some of the tales of these animals were terrible to hear, and we all wondered out loud how human beings could treat a living and innocent being in the manner that some of these animals have been treated in their pasts.

We were each permitted to choose a dog and a lead, and thereafter proceeded to take our dog on a short walk on the open land surrounding the enclosures.

We are so glad to have offered our time and attention to some of the many sweet and loving dogs at the shelter, by giving them some extra love and care.

Compiled by: Laura Ames

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)

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In April 2009, the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invited the global community to join them in support of an official Mandela Day. Mandela Day is a day which is dedicated in tribute of the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former president, and his values, by means of volunteering and community service. This day is therefore, not meant as a public holiday.

Mandela Day is a global call to action that drives the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make a change in the world.

The Mandela Day campaign message is:

“Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.”

According to a statement issued on his behalf, Mandela had the following to say about Mandela Day: “We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity“.

For 67 years, Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humankind – as a Human Rights Attorney, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and as the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

Schnetler’s will be taking part in Mandela Day as a firm. We believe that in order for South Africa to be a better country for every citizen, it starts with us, with the people of South Africa. Every citizen of South Africa needs to come together in order to fight for a better future for all.

Dedicate 67 minutes of your day on 18 July 2016 to the betterment of your society. It doesn’t have to cost you anything, except for your time.

Compiled by:  Laura Ames

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice.  Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)

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-Kinney Oosthuizen

As part of its CSI portfolio, Schnetler’s is proud to be associated with the inaugural Horses for Causes Charity Fundraiser, to be held at Kenilworth Racecourse on 16 January 2016.  A lot of work has gone into this particular event, and Schnetler’s has acted as the project’s attorneys on a pro bono basis. We have been part of the project team from the outset, playing a significant role in various project planning and implementation aspects.

Let me give you a brief outline of the Horses for Causes project.

The launch of the inaugural Horses for Causes Charity Race Day will be held at Kenilworth on Saturday, 16 January 2016.  The day will be uniquely and intently focussed on the valuable community upliftment work which the 16 NGOs participating in Horses for Causes perform.  A large marquee tent erected in the grandstand area will display and showcase the work done by the 16 NGO beneficiaries, exposing racegoers to the empowerment and upliftment work performed by the participating NGOs.

The NGOs taking part in the event are involved in a wide spectrum of community upliftment activities, including skills development, sport, sustainable waste recycling and disposal, empowerment of people with disabilities, music, dancing, developing an effective bone marrow register, relieving the plight of neglected and abused street animals, rural education and healthcare, and providing career opportunities in the thoroughbred horseracing industry.

Funds raised on the day will be split equally amongst the 16 NGOs.  Racegoers, corporate sponsors and the general public will have the opportunity of showing their financial support and generosity.  Opportunities include sponsoring of races on the card, participating in fun-filled auction sales, purchasing hospitality tables in one of the three illustrious restaurant areas in the main grandstand, and making donations to the Horses for Causes fund.  All amounts donated are tax deductible, and are split equally amongst the participating NGOs.

In addition to top quality horseracing, the day will offer a fun-filled family-orientated entertainment programme which will include mini cricket, tag rugby, celebrity sprints, live music, dance groups and fashion soirées.  Think of the glitz and glamour of the J&B Met, combined with a really worthwhile community upliftment vibe, and you will get the general picture.

Entrance is free.  It is bound to be a significant event on the Cape Town social calendar.   The amount raised for the benefit of the participating NGOs will depend on the generosity of the public, but the benefits which funds donated will generate cannot be measured.  Any contribution could help youngsters achieve great things in education, sport, music, dancing; be the start of a waste disposal drive in Cape Town’s neighbourhoods; purchase a wheelchair for a child who would otherwise not be able to afford one; save lives and treat disease at a clinic in rural South Africa; investments which can never be valued in money, which are unique and priceless.

Horses for Causes is presented by the Riverside Estates Educational & Upliftment Trust, which is registered as a public benefit organisation for purposes of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962.  Section 18A provides that any bona fide donation to a public benefit organisation approved by the Commissioner, not exceeding the greater of 5% of the taxable income of the taxpayer or the sum of R100 000,00, is tax deductible.  Donations to the Horses for Causes Charity Race Day therefore qualify for such deduction.  The website provides the necessary information on how to make a donation.

Further details of the event are to be found on www.horsesforcauses.org.za, on Facebook (horsesforcauses) and on Twitter (@horses4causes). Enquiries can be directed to Tracy on 021 424 5843 or info@horsesforcauses.org.za

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)

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