The response of the business sector to the call for a partnership with government to lend its helping hand to those in need should serve to the revive the spirit of Ubuntu that knitted communities in the past, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in appreciating the donation of a wheelchair to a pensioner at Lomanyaneng village in Mahikeng on Thursday.
On the request of Premier Modise, a Mafikeng based company which supplies medical, office and school equipment bought a wheelchair for 83 year old Okathusa Monakwane which the Premier took time from her busy schedule to handover to the excited pensioner at his home.
Modise reiterated her call to businesses in the province to work together with government in ensuring that the well-being of communities are well taken care of particularly those in rural parts of the province.
The Managing Director of Molagodimo projects, Wendy Leepile said that when she was approached to assist by the Office of the Premier, she was touched by the plight of the old man and decided to offer help.
“It is time for us to plough back to the community as part of our social responsibility solely because we do business in the area and are often supported by these communities, said Ms Leepile.
When handing the new wheelchair together with blankets to Monakwane and some of his neighbours and a food parcel donated by the Department of Social Development ,Women, Children and People with disabilities, Premier Modise said government’s mandate is to ensure that it keeps up to its commitments of making sure that communities do feel being part of the entire society.
“It is important that as government, we reach out to those communities who cannot provide for themselves and make a difference in their lives,” added Premier Modise.
In thanking the Premier, Mr Monakwane said he is more than relieved to have received a wheelchair when he needed it most.
“I can’t walk on my own, now this will come handy as I will be able to move around and even visit friends and relatives around,” said the excited Monakwane.
Monakwane’s plight came to the Premier’s attention through ward councillor, Nomali Mpengesi during a community meeting held at the village.
Premier Modise also urged members of community to work together with government to identify families who need to be assisted through the local councils to deal with challenges faced by communities.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 086 620 4802
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Partnership between government and business responds to plight of a pensioner
Province
