Mbombela - Mpumalanga Finance MEC Madala Masuku spent 67 minutes with Grade R children as part of the celebrations of Mandela Month Programme in Elandshoek on Friday.
The MEC's visit to Ntabamhlophe Centre started on Thursday, where a team from Masuku's office handed toys to children and also continued to give the centre a face lift.
“The renovation of the centre by the officials signifies the length of the journey we traverse. If all, individually and collectively, can dedicate just 67 minutes of our time, to good causes in the province," said MEC Masuku.
He said the best birthday present that any citizen could give to former President Nelson Mandela was by giving and helping to improve the living conditions of the less privilege.
“I am happy that we are able to honour Madiba by sharing responsibility. Everyone must carry the caring spirit with them, help others in need; that is the key to nation building,” he said.
He added that the outpouring of well wishes, acts of caring and providing assistance to children will help the father of the nation to recover from his current health challenge.
Departmental officials replaced broken windows, fixed doors, painted walls with friendly colours.
When the MEC arrived on Friday in the company of Ehlanzeni district mayor Letta Shongwe, he handed brand new chairs, tables, drawing books and toys to the children.
The School Governing Body, parents and community members welcomed the initiative as a contribution to continued awareness about the legacy of Mandela.
Busi Ngulube, a parent, said the renovation of the centre conveys a lasting message about what Mandela stands for.
“Campaigns of this nature assist in growing children who know the wonderful legacy of former president,” said Ngulube.
Centre principal Jah Lusiba also expressed his happiness for the contribution made by the MEC, the mayor and officials.
"We thank them for identifying our centre for such an important occasion held in the name of Nelson Mandela," Lusiba said.
The month of July has become over the years known as Mandela Month, and July 18 has been internationally declared as Mandela Day.
On Mandela Day, people are called on to devote 67 minutes of their time to change the world for the better, in a small gesture of solidarity with humanity, and in a small step towards a continuous, global movement for good. – SAnews.gov.za
