It was a first for patients at the female surgical ward at the Odi Hospital, in Mabopane, Tshwane, to be served breakfast in bed by a Minister of Government.
Today, Energy Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi spent her Mandela Day serving breakfast to patients and handed out toys to happy faces at the paediatric ward.
The Minister also wished Nkateko Hlungwane, who was born at 1:10am, a happy birthday.
Minister Kubayi joined South Africans and the global community to honour the late former President Nelson Mandela in the annual celebrations on 18 July.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Mandela's birthday, 18 July, as Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009.
The overarching objective of the day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and in so doing, build a global movement for good.
The Nelson Mandela International Day campaign asks that individuals, groups and corporates pledge 67 minutes of their time on 18 July and every day thereafter to give back to their communities.
The 67 minutes is symbolic of commemorating the 67 years that Mandela had been a part of the movement for liberation.
Following her visit to the hospital, Minister Kubayi proceeded to the Aga Sechaba Youth Centre in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Tshwane, where she assisted in the cleaning of the interior and exterior of the centre, as well as the electrification of the classrooms at the centre.
The Minister also donated office furniture, computers, classroom desks, chairs and stationary.
She participated and offered her service in partnership with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), Enel Green Power South Africa and the local area leadership.
“The service is aimed at inspiring individuals, especially the youth, to take action to help make the world better and in so doing build a global movement for good.
“Nelson Mandela was a great advocate for the youth and youth development, and his legacy reminds us of the important role that the youth could play towards building a better South Africa and better world,” said Minister Kubayi. - SAnews.gov.za
