WeeklySA_AdminRESOURCES: A colourful new children’s book launched during Mandela Month introduces young readers to Nelson Mandela’s values through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging them to become active citizens committed to building a better world…
By Jacob Mawela
A new children’s book inspired by the life and values of Nelson Mandela was launched in Johannesburg on International Nelson Mandela Day, offering young readers an engaging introduction to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The launch of Thando and Freddy’s Big Adventure with Nelson Mandela: For People, For Planet took place at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund headquarters in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. The initiative is a collaboration between the United Nations in South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Graca Machel Trust. The event brought together representatives of the partner organisations and pupils from several schools to celebrate Mandela Month and reinforce Madiba’s enduring legacy of service, justice and compassion.
The story follows two primary school cousins, Thando and Freddy, as they embark on a journey that connects Nelson Mandela’s values with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations to promote a more equitable, peaceful and sustainable world.
Through everyday experiences, the pair confront challenges such as bullying, environmental protection and responsible use of natural resources. Along the way, readers are encouraged to reflect on practical ways they can make a positive difference in their own communities.
Each chapter poses the question: “What can you do to make the world a better place?”, while Nelson Mandela’s inspirational quotations appear throughout the book, reinforcing the lessons behind each story.
In one scene, the children stop to close a leaking water tap, prompting Thando to remark: “Madiba taught us to protect what gives life.” The accompanying Mandela quotation reminds readers that “All over the world, water is regarded as precious as life itself,” underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship.
The illustrated publication also includes interactive activities, quizzes and questionnaires designed to help children better understand the Sustainable Development Goals and apply them in their daily lives. The book was researched and compiled by the United Nations Information Centre Pretoria and features colourful AI-assisted illustrations alongside accessible educational text aimed at younger readers.
Welcoming guests, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Chief Executive Officer Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo highlighted the importance of empowering children to become active citizens. She said the book uses Mandela’s values to help young people understand the Sustainable Development Goals while encouraging them to contribute to building a just, compassionate and sustainable society.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa Nelson Muffuh said young people should be equipped to shape a better future. “We must not ask children to dream boldly while leaving them a world too unequal, too violent, too divided or too uncertain to hold those dreams.
Let us give them the tools to become the peacemakers, innovators and bridge-builders our future requires,” he said.
The programme also featured a reading session by children, who shared extracts covering themes such as quality education, gender equality, climate action and global partnerships.
A children’s panel discussion explored how young people can contribute to stronger and more caring communities.
Entertainment was provided by singer and UN Road Safety Champion Maduvha Madima, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the gathering through a recorded video message. The event concluded with remarks by Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
