The tradition of two minutes silence originated in South Africa
The Guernsey branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) shared in a Remembrance Supper on Armistice Day at Les Cotils, paying their respects to those who bravely fought for freedom. A highlight of the evening was a presentation by Nigel Pascoe of local charity Goal50. The charity has just celebrated ten years working in the Commonwealth nation of South Africa.
RCS is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world. Through youth empowerment, education and high-level advocacy, the Society champions the importance of literacy, equality and inclusion, the environment and connected communities across the Commonwealth’s 54 member nations. The Society’s unique position within the Commonwealth family allows it to play a pivotal role in convening and connecting the Commonwealth’s political and diplomatic representatives, as well as industry, civil society, academic and business leaders, on a wide range of issues. Founded in 1868, the RCS is non-partisan, independent of governments and relies on public generosity to achieve its mission.
“Local charity Goal50 is a great match with the ambitions of our vision and mission,” explains RCS Guernsey branch President Anita Inala-Kilby.
“We are delighted to support their work in the townships of the Cape Flats. Any means of improving the lives of Commonwealth citizens is worthy of our support.”
Anita Inala-Kilby
Goal50 Founder, Nigel Pascoe, explained how Guernsey is providing life-saving support to many hundreds of families. The charity has a history of providing food programmes for the hungry in several townships… and with the current pandemic the need for support has never been greater. A recent report by Oxfam identified South Africa as one of several emerging hotspots. Research indicates that 30% of adults and 20% of children go to bed hungry. Spiking unemployment is simply making the situation worse.
Nigel shared with RCS members that the tradition of the two minutes silence of Armistice Day actually originated in South Africa. The concept was initiated by Mr R R Brydon and the Mayor of Cape Town, Sir Harry Hands. Hanging in the city is a plaque entitled ‘Commemoration of an Honourable Tradition’ explaining how one minute is in remembrance of those who died for their cause and one minute in gratitude for survivors.
Goal50’s mission is to ‘not forget’ those who are denied; freedom from poverty, freedom from hunger, freedom from drugs, freedom from violence, freedom from gangs. If you feel you could support Goal50 projects please donate through PayPal clicking through the button below.
Poppy image by Laura Evans
