Marked annually on 18 July, Mandela Day is a global celebration of the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on Madiba’s values and principles, and to contribute to meaningful change in society.
This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’.
In line with this call, various Ministers, Premiers, and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) took part in community-driven initiatives across the country.
The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, who also serves as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, is joining the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, Babalwa Lobishe, for Mandela Day activities at the metro.
Their programme included a clean-up campaign at the Kragga Kamma Road Drop-off Centre Transfer Station in Gqeberha, as well as the launch of the Knorrox Community Kitchen at St Matthias Anglican Church in Motherwell, a key initiative promoting food security.
In Cape Town, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, lead the department’s Mandela Day commemorations by spending 67 minutes helping to improve a homeless shelter, MES Mould Bellville Safe Space. MES Mould Bellville is a non-profit organisation (NPO) established to support homeless individuals by providing shelter and empowerment services, such as waste management and food gardening.
The organisation is one of over 400 NPOs contracted through the department’s entity, the Independent Development Trust (IDT), with support from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to create meaningful work opportunities for the unemployed.
This engagement forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of community members across the country through infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, in the North West, Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi is lead a Mandela Day outreach at an elderly care centre in Mazista village, under the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality. Mokgosi is accompanied by Members of the Executive Council and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality Mayor, Thabo Jacobs, as well as senior government officials, who will carry out renovations at the centre, donate equipment for the vegetable garden and groceries.
Across the country, these acts of kindness reflect the enduring spirit of Nelson Mandela and his belief that everyone has the power to make a difference. – SAnews.gov.za