South Africa: The Department of Social Development, under the leadership of the Acting HOD, Adv TJ Phahlo, heeded the message saying, “Now is the time to come together as one nation to support fellow South Africans who are in need and support community interventions with lasting impact.
Every action counts, do something this Mandela Day for someone in your community to help rebuild South Africa.
We can honour our beloved Madiba by doing something that will make a difference in our communities.
Madiba valued actions which helped others and that helped to change their lives for the better.
Individuals, communities and businesses can donate their time by supporting a charity or helping those less fortunate, including those affected by floods and violence.
It can be simple acts, and no matter how small the action, the aim is to change the world for the better – just as Mandela did.”
The Day was celebrated in Winburg through the following activities:
Donating matrasses and hand-knitted toys at the Kopanong Development Centre. The Centre was adorned with the colourful work from the Protective Workshop beneficiaries.
The next stop was the donation of clothes and dignitary packs at the Winburg Child and Youth Care Centre. One of the children at the Centre, a high achiever, was one of the five learners given laptops by the Free State Premier, Ms Sefora Ntombela.
The Department rounded up its activities by hosting a Knit-a-thon for the elderly. The Tshwarahanang Old Age Group, Mohau Old Age Group and the elderly of Makeleketla had fun knitting squares and received knitted blankets and scarves from the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, as well as blankets handed over by the Premier and her Executive.
The oldest residents of Makeleketla were celebrated. Nkgono Ntsoaki Maria Montoeli – 103, Nkgono Maria Thetele – 99 and Nkgono Emily Shiyiwe Makume – 97 were given a mini birthday complete with cakes, goodies and gifts.
The Day was concluded with a community engagement where food parcels, blankets, laptops for the top achievers and other items were handed out.
