Cape Town – When Minister in the Presidency responsible for women, Susan Shabangu, arrived at the Ikhwezi Clinic at Lwandle Township, in the Western Cape, on Saturday, she walked into the yard, greeted volunteers, took a paintbrush and helped volunteers to paint the health care centre.
Clad in an orange work suit, the Minister then put on her gloves and walked around the yard picking up litter and dirt at the clinic that services three communities – Lwandle, Nomzamo and Zola.
She then told volunteers, who had left their homes, braved out the cold weather and dedicated their day to volunteer their time to International Mandela Day.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you because I heard that yesterday it was raining, but today you came out in numbers to volunteer to help out at your clinic to make it nice.
“What is important is that as we started today giving 67 minutes of our time, let it not end here, let us continue to serve our communities,” she said.
Minister Shabangu joined millions of people from around the world who left their homes and went out to their respective communities to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to making a difference in people’s lives.
Born in Mvezo in the Eastern Cape on July 18, 1918, the former statesman dedicated his life to the liberation struggle from the 1950s and was jailed with several others on charges of treason for leading an armed struggle against a ruthless apartheid government.
After being sentenced to life in jail along with several others, including stalwarts Andrew Mlangeni, Ahmed Kathrada, amongst others, he went on to serve 27 years in jail.
After his release, President Mandela led South Africa to a democratic transition and was elected South Africa’s first ever black President in 1994.
He later retired but continued to dedicate his life to improving the lives of the most vulnerable groups, especially children, through his Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Former President Nelson Mandela passed away in December 2013.
Minister Shabangu told volunteers to continue giving their time as this was the only way to honour Madiba’s legacy.
“We know the challenges in our communities and that is why we are painting this clinic.
“We will also look at what else can be done to improve the lives of our people in the community.
“Thank you for taking your time to come and assist despite the unfavourable weather conditions, what you have done is huge.
“I am certain that wherever he is, Madiba is proud because he can see his people have not abandoned him.
“As we know today is Madiba’s birthday, so this is the best way to celebrate his legacy,” she said.
The Minister went on to interact with members of the community, and handed out blankets and toiletries to young and elderly persons with disabilities. – SAnews.gov.za
