As part of celebrating Nelson Mandela Day the North West Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in collaboration with Mahikeng Local Municipality brought everlasting change to the life of a senior citizen of Phola village in Mahikeng. Alinah Kenwakae Thekiso (95) who celebrated her birthday a week ago, was handed over a house. The house which is a donation from a local contractor GMD-Projects, also came with furniture which included a bed, stove and a dining room suite.
Before Thekiso was living in a one-roomed shack which she shared with her forty-four (44) year old unemployed son and a grandchild. Thekiso who sheered tears of joy said she will forever cherish Nelson Mandela Day 2013.
“I’m speechless, I can’t begin to explain how I feel right now. The words will not truly represent my feelings. I’m very much grateful for what they have done for me. Nelson Mandela is really a blessing to all South Africans and even if he is battling with his health he has touched my life in a big way and for that I’ll forever be grateful. Many thanks to him, the department and the municipality,” said Thekiso.
Later during the day, officials of both the department and the municipality also participated in rebuilding and renovating a burnt house of one of the residents of Matshepe village outside Mahikeng. Maria Taunyane’s (58) house burnt last year July following an unattended candle. Her furniture as well as the roof of the house burnt. Taunyane shares the house with her 22 year-old mentally challenged son.
Taunyane said, “Life was difficult without a proper shelter. I had to sleep at my neighbors and relatives before the municipality donated a shack to me. If it was not for your contribution there was no way I could have rebuilt and renovated the house. Mandela Day is really a good day and I wish God can grant all the departmental and municipal officials strength to continue to change lives of the needy, especially in our impoverished Matshepe village.”
Head of the Department Monnapula Motlogelwa led the departmental officials during the Mandela Day activities on behalf of MEC Manketse Tlhape.
“We are making our 67 minutes count by putting a smile that will never be erased on the faces of ordinary people. This is one of our contributions in changing lives of the less fortunate South Africans. As the department we want to make everyday a Mandela Day by taking action and inspiring change. Soon we will be taking our Mandela Day activities to Nkaneng informal settlement near Marikana where we also intend to effect change to people in that area,” said Motlogelwa.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated internationally every year on the 18th July. This day was adopted by the United Nations and is more than a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. It is a global phenomenon to take his life’s work into a new century and to advocate for a significant change in our world.
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
