Durban - Three families in Mahlabathini near Ulundi were elated when disability access ramps were built outside their homes, making life a whole lot easier for them.
The Deputy Minister of Public Works, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, spread this Christmas cheer with a personal visit and bags of groceries for the families.
These ramps were constructed after Bogopane-Zulu visited the region in June. The project was also inspired by Nelson Mandela Day, in which people were encouraged to spend 67 minutes doing something that could benefit society.
"The families are extremely happy that the Deputy Minister came all the way from Pretoria to remote KZN to visit them. They know government does care about them," said an official from the department, Lunga Mahlangu.
Mahlangu added that prior to getting the ramps, people living in the homes were met with a great challenge as far as movement was concerned.
In another gesture of goodwill, 1 000 hampers were distributed to families in Phoenix, Chatsworth and Isipingo.
These were provided by the 1860 Commemoration Council as part of their celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa.
"The hampers were given to South Africans from all backgrounds. The idea was to share as much as we could. We wanted to make sure that people had meals during this festive period and enjoyed themselves too," said Seelan Archary, a member of the 1860 Organising Committee.
The Gift of the Givers, meanwhile, hosted a Christmas party for 1 000 children at Patterson Park.
Children from Davidsonville, Riverlea, Orlando, Fordsburg, Berea, Alexandra, Bosmont and Patterson Park attended the party.
The excited children were treated to entertainment provided by clowns and marionettes. Santa Clause was on hand to deliver presents to them.
The organisation will also feed 4 000 children in Nkandla next Monday, the hometown of President Jacob Zuma.
There are several more initiatives from organisations and individuals across the country that are making a difference to the lives of South Africans, so if you want to spread some joy during the festive season - it's not too late.
