Pretoria – Anti-apartheid icon and South Africa’s first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela’s legacy has yet again proved to be the gift that keeps giving, as thousands today answered the call of doing an act of good for their fellow man.
Even though Madiba lies in hospital on his 95th birthday, the world has spared no effort to carry on the former statesman’s legacy of opening up their hearts to respond to those in need.
Today, government officials from four departments and non-governmental organisations showed up in their numbers to spend 67 minutes of their time helping children at Leamogetswe Safety Home situated in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria.
Staff members from Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Departments of Correctional Services, Public Enterprises and Defence took time out of their usual schedules to lend a hand around the home by cleaning, doing laundry, gardening and cooking.
The departments also donated food parcels and clothing items. An amount of R30 000 was also donated to the orphanage, which cares for neglected children and the disabled.
Public Enterprises Director-General Tshediso Matona told SAnews he felt there was a greater purpose to helping others.
“By so doing, we are also taking Madiba’s legacy forward. We are doing this to honour… Madiba,” he said.
Inmates from Correctional Services also did their bit by cleaning and doing artwork for the children at the centre.
Correctional Services Director for Sport, Arts and Culture, Fezile Sipamla, said inmates approached officials, asking them to take part in Mandela Day.
GCIS staff, led by Acting CEO Nebo Legoabe, assisted in various ways, such as cleaning and washing clothes.
Staff at the orphanage said the day was a very special one, given that it was the first time some of the children had seen so many people. - SAnews.gov.za
