By Gabi Khumalo
Mamelodi – Just like the rest of government officials and ordinary South Africans, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe traded in his suit and tie and rolled up his sleeves, helping learners at Boikgantshong Primary School.
Motlanthe visited the school in Mamelodi East, where he dedicated 67 minutes helping at the school’s library, in honour of Mandela Day, where people are invited to dedicate their time to make a difference in other people’s lives.
On his arrival at the school, Motlanthe, who made it clear that the day was not about speeches, but rolling up sleeves, said: “The day lays down the foundation and will open horizons to the world we are living in. Children in this school today will look back to this day and say they’ve benefited due to the generosity of Madiba. As we say the past will inherit the future, the future of these children will depend on what we do today because what we do will impact on how their future would shape”.
He added that he hoped that out of learners will emerge many Mandelas to make the country successful. He also noted that the visit today and handing over of school books was only the beginning of interaction with the school, adding that tomorrow they would bring more learning equipment.
School Principal, Abby Kobo thanked Motlanthe for spending his 67 minutes with learners and teachers at their school. “We are most honoured that the Deputy President chose to celebrate this day as we know that knowledge is power and reading is the way,” he said.
One of the volunteers from the University of Pretoria, Erin Rennie, 20, stressed the importance of volunteerism not only on Mandela Day, but throughout the year.
Rennie and other students at the university have been at the school from 24 to 28 June 2013, assisting them with painting and cleaning of the school’s library. They also came back today to help pack the school books.
“We know how important reading and literacy is and we want to encourage it from young kids. If you can help, you should, especially on something which is important like this,” said Rennie.
Another volunteer, Diana Bakwa, Ward 18 Mamelodi East, also stressed the importance of volunteering, adding that it teaches children to give a helping hand whilst they are still young.
“They must know that Tata wants them to focus on education. This should not be a once off event but we should live it on a daily basis,” said Bakwa, wishing Former President Nelson Mandela a speedy recovery.
Learners at the school, especially from Grade R and 1, who at first were expecting to see Mandela, sang their hearts out wishing Madiba a happy birthday, whilst Motlanthe blew out 95 candles on a two metre cake decorated with strawberries.
Mandela, who turns 95 today, remains in hospital after having been admitted on 8 June to receive treatment for a recurring lung infection. Doctors have confirmed that his health is steadily improving. – SAnews.gov.za
