Soweto – While thousands are singing and dancing on the stands at FNB Stadium, in Nasrec, in Johannesburg, Mpho Mokwebo from Soweto is on duty.
“I would have loved to be at home with my blankets and watching the proceedings of the event on TV, but yesterday when our councillor was looking for people to help with the cleaning of the stadium, I decided to take part. It’s the least I could do to honour Madiba,” said Mokweba.
The 19-year-old is stationed outside one of the many toilets armed with cleaning equipment.
Mokwebo, who will be studying BCom Degree in Finance next year at the University of Johannesburg, told SAnews that the volunteer group arrived at the stadium at 6.30am and were deployed to various stands.
Others have been deployed to the media area and where the dignitaries are seated in order to make sure they are kept clean at all times.
She was glad to be part of this historic occasion. “I’m also part of the crowd celebrating the life of my hero here at the stadium.”
“I know my feet will be sore by the end of the day as I have to stand until the programme comes to an end, but it’s going to be worth it. I’m doing it in the name of Madiba. His spirit should be kept alive. We should always volunteer our services on a daily basis because it is always needed.”
Although trader Sipho Mbhele was expecting his business to be booming today, the wet weather has dampened business and not many are buying his coldrinks.
“Few people are buying my stuff because its cold, but it is alright because I got an opportunity to get inside the stadium and bid farewell to Tata. He opened doors for me and encouraged young people to go and get education,” said Mbhele, a 20 year-old from Orlando East. – SAnews.gov.za
