Festivities for Nelson Mandela International Day started days before 18 July, which is the date Tata Madiba was born. These festivities were a response to a call by President Jacob Zuma that all South African must dedicate 67 minutes of their time doing something good. Madiba spent 67 years of his life fighting for the liberation of South Africa.
On Wednesday, 14 July 2010, Social Development officials facilitated a body massage for the elderly. This initiative was initiated by the department's employee, Sandiswa Nkwezane, who is a qualified massage therapist.
One of the grannies, Margaret Mankayi (88), who grew up with Madiba was quoted by Daily Dispatch saying: "I have never done this thing before, but judging from the excitement of that lady who has just done it, it looks exhilarating", as she pointed to Mildred Mngqithi (78), who was dancing after her massage. "I will sleep like a baby tonight," Mngqithi said.
On Friday, 16 July 2010, Minister for Social Development Edna Molewa, MEC Nonkosi Mvana and MEC for Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture Xoliswa Tom hosted over 120 older persons for breakfast and lunch in Qunu village, where Madiba was born.
The political principals and senior management of the department wore aprons, serving food to the elderly. 100 identified older persons were presented with blankets to warm themselves up during this winter, whilst Mvezo Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre was presented with a cheque amounting to R211 000.
Vukuzakhe food security project became the second stop where members of Portfolio Committee for Social Development planted trees before their last stop at Matyengqina.
A soil turning was done at Matyengqina in preparation for the construction of a One Stop Justice centre for the children that are in conflict with the law.
It all came down to the big day, 18 July, where over 2 000 people gathered in Mvezo village for the celebration of Madiba's birthday. Minister Molewa and MEC Mvana were some of the dignitaries present where President Zuma was a guest speaker.
Source: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
