Kurt Darren and Dunay Nortje

 

 

On the 4th April 2011 we launched the 46664 Legacy Bangle Book and 2011 Legacy Bangle at Elegance Jewellers in Melrose Arch. Chairman of the Resource Mobilisation Committee of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and trustee of its board,Tokyo Sexwale, and a host of other big names, were there to unveil the new book and the stunning diamond-studded 46664 bangle.

The evening began with a storyteller who spoke poetically about the meaning behind the Legacy Bangle. “The story begins with an heirloom,” he began, before correcting himself:

“The story begins with an endowment. “No,” he continued, “the story begins with a legacy. But not just any legacy; the all-encompassing, all-embracing legacy of Mr Nelson Mandela.” He went on to wax lyrical about the great gift that Mr Mandela has given us.

Sexwale then gave an inspiring address, reminding attendees of the importance of the man behind the 46664 campaign, Mr Mandela. “It pleases him to know his work is being continued,” he said.

Sexwale spoke about the meaning behind the number 46664, which comes from Mr Mandela’s prison number. He said that the 46664 campaign was taking a number associated with the struggle and “turning it on its head” by giving a message of encouragement. “I was also a number,” he said, a reference to his own time spent on Robben Island. “With these bangles, there is a lot of pain, but also celebration and victory.”

The 46664 bangles began as a means to raising funds for HIV/AIDS awareness. Now they take on a greater meaning, being symbolic of Mr Mandela’s broader humanitarian legacy. Robert Coutts, who started the 46664 Bangle initiative, explained that the design of the bangles resembled handcuffs, but that they were not closed, so as to represent Mr Mandela’s triumph over imprisonment.  “The bangles alert the wearer to the ideals and principles of Mr Mandela".  

Coutts, Sexwale and actress Hlubi Mboya then revealed the 2011 Legacy Bangle.

“It is 30 carats, studded with brown and white diamonds,” explained Tony de Figuirero, who worked as a setter for the project. It is called “Ukungafani”, meaning “in the spirit of diversity”.  “It’s made of African blackwood,” added designer Andrew Boyley. “It has the feeling of natural, raw, African materials.”

After the unveiling of the new bangle, the 46664 Legacy Bangle Book was launched by Catri Velleman, who oversaw the production of the book,. “The book documents special moments in the history of our heritage,” she said. It follows the genesis of the 46664 campaign, documents the making of the unique, once-off bangles (such as the R2-million bangle auctioned by Morgan Freeman), and it explains the significance behind the campaign, the history of which is rooted in our fight for social justice.

As the 46664 Bangle campaign has grown, so different bangles have been made, with several tiers available. There are the MyCopper, Copper, Black Pearl and Silver bangles, which sell at varying prices. Then there are once-off bangles that are usually sold privately.

Mboya, who had the privilege of being the first person to wear the Legacy Bangle, said she was very proud. “It’s a big honour,” she said. “I believe in 46664. I believe in restoring the future for our youth.” Later she added, “Buying the bangle is a statement of self worth, of self-esteem.”

Pop star and long-time 46664 ambassador, Danny K, was enthusiastic about the Legacy Bangle and the future of 46664. “I’ve been involved with 46664 for 10 years now. I’ve seen it grow from a concert, to a t-shirt, to what it is today. To do anything under this brand is incredible.”

The key word of the press launch was “legacy”; the humanitarian legacy of Mr Mandela. After the media briefing, Sexwale elaborated on what it means to continue his legacy. “This is the story of a prisoner, the story of a number,” he said. “Wearing this bangle will send a message about commitment to just struggles. When Mr Mandela started the campaign, he raised a finger, saying, ‘Think again before you number people’.”

46664 aims to raise significant funding over the next few years via the sale of 2.5-million silver bangles, or combinations of gold, silver, platinum and copper to the same value. During this process, this social enterprise aims to create more than 4 000 job opportunities (and stories of hope), while contributing funds to the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Most of all, the bangles will spread the message of hope and social justice for all.

 

Link:46664.com