Organisations, political parties and residents celebrate Mandela Day in acts of kindness

THE NORTHERN Cape is celebrating Nelson Mandela Day with various community-driven initiatives, including clean-up campaigns, soup kitchens, and charity events.

The EFF will march to Kuruman Hospital to highlight poor health-care conditions, while local businesses and organisations will support vulnerable groups, such as survivors of gender-based violence and femicide, the elderly, and children in need. These events aim to promote community service, compassion, and social solidarity, embodying Mandela's legacy of service and kindness.

The EFF will march to Kuruman Hospital on Friday to highlight the poor conditions of health facilities in the Northern Cape. 

EFF provincial leader Shadrack Thlaole said that, as part of Mandela Day activities and to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the EFF, the party would highlight the poor condition of health facilities in the province. 

”With the influx of people to mines in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district, there is a dire shortage of medical personnel, resources, and medication and infrastructure is crumbling.” 

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism will hold a clean-up campaign in Kimberley on Friday, inviting businesses, residents and community members to roll up their sleeves as part of Mandela Day. 

Communication officer at Northern Cape Tourism, Tebogo Velembo, encouraged residents to take pride in the city and to create a thriving and welcoming destination for visitors. 

“This drives local tourism, strengthens our economy, and opens doors to new jobs and opportunities.” 

The meeting point will be at the MetLife Tower building from 9 am until 2 pm. 

In marking Nelson Mandela Day, a young Northern Cape businesswoman, Aena Mwenze, will be donating 70 personalised hygiene packs and sharing a hot meal and cake with survivors of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) at Aldersgate Methodist Church Hall at 24 Recreation Road, in Floors on Saturday from 10 am until 12 pm. 

The owner of Aena Co. will also make use of the opportunity to spread goodwill to the less fortunate to celebrate her birthday.

The Kasi Business Workshop will dedicate 67 minutes to empower township entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and build their brand, through the use of social media at the Galeshewe community hall in Hulana Street on Saturday from 9.30 am – 2 pm. 

Thato Malebo from the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance said a winner would be crowned through the Kasi Pitching Challenge during the event, where the winner stands to win cash and business support. 

The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, will on Friday lead community outreach activities in Roodepan in honour of Nelson Mandela Day. 

The programme includes a community soup kitchen that will serve 300 warm meals in Roodepan, establishing ten gardens at vulnerable homes in Lethaboo informal settlement and the refurbishment of Harvest Time church in Roodepan. 

“Mandela Day is a global call to action that reminds us all of our ability and responsibility to make a positive difference in our communities,” Manopole said. 

The Mme Re Ka Thusa Trust Fund has adopted the About Expression Culture Academy non-profit organisation in Warrenton and has urged community members, government departments, and corporate partners to join hands in supporting the organisation that assists youth, women, and people living with disabilities in the Magareng district. 

Residents Gomolemo Plaatje and his partners Bambanani Jalisa and Siphokazi Solani will be holding a talent competition on Friday at 10.30 am opposite Hulana Park to raise funds for Sinothando Children’s Home. They will also be donating any old school uniforms and clothes to the kids' haven. 

The DA will hold blanket drives, soup kitchens and clean-up campaigns in various wards of the province. 

The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje, will visit Lele Seichokelo to see where he can assist after he built her a home in Magogong in 2023 with his funds.

Manager of communications Joseph Motlhasedi said Maje would hand over 40 blankets and five grocery hampers to the Magogong old age home. 

“Meals will be prepared for members of the community. The occasion will bring joy, comfort and support to the elderly people of the village while aligning itself with the spirit of Ubuntu, to promote compassion, dignity and social solidarity to encourage leaders and community members to unite in service and care for those who came before us,” he said.

Thabiso Louw from Operation Fiela said they shared a massive cake with thwhere the y  elders to celebrate Madiba Day on Saturday at Kutlwanong hall in Club 2000.

The Northern Cape Department of Health offered free health services in Platfontein on Friday as part of their dedication to 67 minutes.

Flamingo Casino in collaboration with the Tuscan Hospitality Group handed over uniforms, blankets and soup to Lesedi Day Care early childhood development centre. They also handed over groceries to Papi's soup kitchen in Galeshewe and distributed blankets and soup to people living on the streets. 

The SA Army commemorated Mandela Day at Seochoareng Old Age Home on July 18. 

The MEC for the Department of Roads and Public Works Fufe Makatong and member of parliament Patrick Mabilo, Rachel Adams head of the Department Dr Johnny McKay and Frances Baard district manager Vuyani Mhlauli led a series of community upliftment programmes across Kimberley. 

The delegation assisted the Afrika family where 11 relatives are sharing a cramped two bedroomed house.

Spokesperson for the Department of Roads and Public Works Zandisile Luphahla said the department partnered with the community to paint and refurbish the home, install new ceilings and doors, tile the house and extend the lounge. 

He added that the delegation visited Kgatelopele Little Star and Wonderland creches where they donated equipment, learning and play material and cleaned the facility. 

"The home of 93 year old Platfontein resident Gogo Elia Shimite was renovated, new windows were installed, a roof and fireplace was built in her house," Luphahla stated.