Inspired by Madiba’s love for children, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport will tomorrow, on Mandela’s birthday, unveil a birthday message to Madiba during a hand-over ceremony of brand new sport facilities to Lwandle Primary School in Khayelitsha.

The hand-over will coincide with Madiba’s birthday to represent a gift that will empower children towards a better sporting future, something Madiba holds very dearly.

South Africa’s 2010 Ambassador, Lucas Radebe and other prominent personalities will join the provincial government in celebrating Madiba’s birthday along with various schools that have been invited to the festivities as part of the celebrations at the school.

In another event, on the same day the 2010 National Symbols programme will be launched at Naluxolo Primary School in Samora Machel where 11 schools selected as part of the pilot project will congregate to participate in the finals of the competition.

The National Symbols programme is pilot project to be rolled out in all schools of the Western Cape. It teaches pupils about all the national symbols to promote national pride ahead of 2010 FIFA World Cup. The project was motivated by lessons taken from Germany during 2006 FIFA World Cup, where its government effectively used the FIFA World Cup to unite East and West Germany.

There will be a festive mood at the school with cultural programmes, pupils unveiling their birthday messages for Madiba and cake-cutting by MEC Whitey Jacobs who will also be delivering a keynote address.