As the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations continue, Western Cape Housing Minister, Bonginkosi Madikizela, has spent time helping with the construction of little Thina Mbuqwa's house in Khayelitsha, on the Cape Flats. Her current living conditions are not conducive for recovery after a liver transplant.
“Her liver transplant depended on the fact that she had to get a proper house and I think it is befitting that we are building this house today, as we are celebrating the birthday of Madiba,” says Madikizela.
She adds that this is their contribution to Madiba’s birthday celebrations and the legacy that he wants to leave behind.
Meanwhile, in Lydenburg in the Thaba Chweu Municipality, Mpumalanga, more than 500 residents have received food parcels from the SABC Nelspruit region as part of the corporation's 67 minutes of the Nelson Mandela Day.
SABC staff in Nelspruit have spent their time giving out the food parcels, school uniforms and wheelchairs to the needy. They and various stakeholders have also donated two property sites worth R3 million.
SABC's General Manager, Quinton Lenyai, says the sites will be used to build an orphanage.
“We have to try by all means to make a difference in other people's lives. Especially those who are not as fortunate as we are. That is the legacy that uTata Nelson Mandela would like us to carry on. This day is celebrated nationwide and it really means a lot for SABC,” says Lenyai.
Some of them don't have relatives, some are destitute and are brought in by police and social workers.
In Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, SABC employees visited this old age home to help out with chores. Petrus Nkosi from Ithlokomeleng Home for the Aged says :"The song by the SABC choristers really touched me"
"Some of them don't have relatives, some are destitute and are brought in by police and social workers. So, when they see visitors like SABC in the home they feel so happy," says Nursing Sister Lizzie Makinta.
SABC choristers also serenaded the senior citizens. Not too far from Alex, another group of SABC volunteers were also at it - braving the cold snap, to help clean and spend time with the elderly.
In Bloemfontein staffers assisted with cleaning, washing and cooking. SABC Regional Communication Manager, Daphne Mothobi says:"Mandela Day is one of the projects that we hold dearly in our hearts and that's when we go out and staff to come and do this meaningful work in the community just to show that we care."
In Mafikeng, there was a hive of activity at the Lapa La Botlhe Old Age Centre. Broadcasters teamed up with auditors and donated food parcels and blankets. The SABC's facilitating a face lift for the centre.
"We have come across a business person who was willing to assist them to finish the structure which their building here, the structure was incomplete, he will assist with a roofing and so forth," says Tlotlo Seru, SABC North West Provincial General Manager.
Volunteers also joined in to celebrate the 108th birthday of resident Michael Kgantsi.
