Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - June 12, 2005
Suthentira Govender
The 3.6-metre card may never reach Madiba - who celebrates his birthday on July 18 - but that has not discouraged the pupils of Elora Primary School from proceeding with their labour of love.
A massive party in honour of Mandela has been planned for June 23 - the day KwaZulu-Natal schools close for their winter vacation.
The Madiba card project is being driven by the school's Hindi language teacher, Ramakant Das. Each year Das and his pupils undertake an ambitious project. Last year they sent a birthday card to Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan.
But the Madiba card is by far the biggest they have tackled, with more than 400 pupils involved.
"I made contact with Madiba's people to inform them about the project. They indi- cated that, while it is a great gesture, he will not be able to accept the card in person be- cause he no longer does public engagements," said Das.
"But we're hoping, with a little help from a few influential people, the card will reach Madiba in time for his birthday.
"The children are so enthusiastic about this project that they are channelling all their energy into making it the best card ever."
Das said the pupils wanted to show their love, respect and gratitude to Madiba "for his dedication, commitment and selflessness in giving us our freedom".
"The children also want to show their sup-port to Madiba's fight against HIV/Aids through this card."
Each of the 450 pupils will include a tiny picture of themselves and a message to Mandela.
Grade 7 pupil Rahsi Sewpersadh said he was "really excited" about the project. "This is the first time I am sending something to this great man. I want to wish him well on his birthday and hope, as a nation, we succeed in our fight against HIV/Aids," he said.
Tracy Xhegwana, 13, said: "I am so proud of Madiba's achievements. I want to tell him in my message that, as children, we support the battle against Aids. I do hope this card will reach him."
Principal Anil Singh said the "project, if anything, has been an inspiration to pupils to show them that they can achieve something big".
"We're crossing fingers that this card will eventually land in Madiba's hands," said Singh.
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