Siphelele Nketo
AS part of honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela on July 18, there was a community initiative at Meje Primary School in Mbizana with Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane leading the provincial celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day.
He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Bertha Peace Mabe, chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Museum Sharmaine Dunn as well as local mayors and leaders.
The painting of classrooms and planting of trees formed part of the day’s activities, including the handover of sports equipment to five local schools.
Alfred Nzo District Municipality mayor Tsileng Sobuthongo pledged to support the school with water, while Premier Mabuyane encouraged citizens to embrace the legacy of Nelson Mandela through acts of service and compassion.
“We are here in Mbizana not only to celebrate and remember the life of Madiba, but to ask ourselves individually what we are doing to improve the lives of others. This is what Nelson Mandela was known for worldwide, giving to others and making a meaningful impact by changing their lives for the better,” he said.
Deputy Minister Bertha Peace Mabe commended the Nelson Mandela Museum for bringing the commemorative programme to a rural community and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for learners to participate in a wide range of sporting codes from an early age.
