Children at the Ikhaya La Bantwana Orphanage at Ikageng Township, in the North West, were in for a treat on Tuesday, when Premier Supra Mahumapelo spent his day handing out gifts to them.
As part of observing 67 minutes for Madiba, Premier Mahumapelo interacted with the children before he handed out gifts and donations and helped serve food and clean the centre.
Premier Mahumapelo commended those who contributed donations to the centre, saying it is good to have a sense of service and do something good for the communities which makes South Africa a better place.
“We appreciate the support and the hands today because this is what Nelson Mandela wanted to make a difference in our communities.
“We must at all the times be motivated by this day to continue pulling together to make our province and the country a better place,” the Premier said, after handing over gifts which included a cheque of R5 000 to the centre.
The Premier was accompanied by Old Mutual, Blue Ribbon, Motsweding FM, SASSA, Local and District municipality who also contributed to donations.
Nelson Mandela Day is an international day in honour of Nelson Mandela and is celebrated annually on 18 July -- the day on which the late former President was born.
It is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact.
Ikhaya La Bantwana is a home to about 40 orphanages established by a caring strong woman, Joyce Ntsizi, 62, in Ikageng Township.
She said the love for children compelled her to take careof local young children who have no families in the township since 2013.
“I love children and for me to see kids with nowhere to go breaks my heart. I wish that government can assist me to get a bigger place so that I can be able to take care of these children properly,” she said.
Ntsiki thanked Premier Mahumapelo and others for the visit and donations to the children.
“Thank you to my Premier for the visit and the gifts. I pray that God bless you for the work that you continue to do for all of us in the province,” she told the Premier.
Responding to Mme Ntsizi, the Premier requested the department of Social Development in the province to intervene in terms of kick starting the process of building a bigger centre.
The Premier concluded the day by attending a Reconciliation Healing and Renewal Mandela Candle Light Prayer and Meditation Service in the evening at Ikageng Stadium.
The activity was attended by 67 people from each village in the province and 67 officials from each provincial department. – SAnews.gov.za
