Address by the Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi (MP), Harding at, KwaZulu-Natal
Time to give back to the community
Comrade Ruth Bhengu
Representatives for SASSA
Residents of Harding and neighbouring townships
All public representatives in attendance today
Cllr and Ward Cllr
Sanibonani nonke. Ninjani!
My return today to this community, together with my long-time comrade Ruth Bhengu, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business to Umuziwabantu Local Municipality, is because of the Chala Family. But before I delve much on the reasons why we are here, I just want to touch on two very important issues: giving back to the community and volunteerism.
Volunteers and individuals who give back to communities are normal people like you and I, and everyone else. Just because they choose to volunteer or to give back to their community doesn’t mean they don't know what to do with their time or have money lying around idly. They choose to do so because they are driven by the goodness within themselves to volunteer even if it requires a personal sacrifice on their own behalf.
Volunteering and giving-back to communities can greatly affect everyone’s day-to-day living - those who give and those who receive. Many people depend on others just to make it through life. Everyone has their hardships and it greatly helps to have someone there for you. It is also very rewarding to help change someone's life for the better.
In fact research indicates that giving back can: solve personal problems, strengthen communities, improve lives, connect to others, and transform your life, and most of all help the people around you.
Chala family was in a dire need of proper housing. As friends and comrades we got together and raised money to build a house for the family. We also want to thank SASSA for providing the uniform for the school kids from the Chala family.
December is an important month in our nation’s calendar and that of the world. We gather at this time when we fondly remember the father of our nation and international icon Nelson Mandela.
On the 5th of December we marked the second anniversary of his death. Nelson Mandela left an indelible mark on our society, having laid the foundation for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society. He was unwavering in his commitment to justice, equality and building a non-racial South Africa. His profound message of touching the lives of those around us continues to resonate in our society and inspires us to be better human beings.
This time of the year takes on a special significance because in addition to remembering Madiba’s life; it is also an opportunity to live his legacy and to contribute to a better country and a better world. Today we will do just that as we celebrate his life under the theme: “Giving back to the community.”
On that note I would like to thank you all and invite you to join me in this momentous occasion of handing over the House to the Chala family. Siyathokoza.
