Mamelodi – Children at Child Welfare Tshwane, in Mamelodi, sang their hearts out in jubilation as Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor handed over boxes with food parcels and clothes to assist the centre.
Minister Pandor’s visit forms part of the activities in commemoration of International Nelson Mandela Day.
During her visit to the centre, on Friday, Minister Pandor commended the work done by the centre, saying she was sure that Mandela was smiling where he is.
The centre, which started operating in 2012, caters for 111 children from the community, aged 0 – 18.
The children, who stay with their parents, are being assisted with meals, school homework, access to information, monitoring their school work as well as making sure that they have documentations like IDs and birth certificates in order to access government services.
Workers at the centre also do home visits, where children stay, and offer parenting skills to the young parents.
An impressed Minister Pandor said the work done by the centre should be properly supported by government.
“This is the beginning of a relationship. We must lend a helping hand where we can as you are doing a wonderful job for the community,” Minister Pandor told the staff at the centre.
Centre Manager Winnie Moshupje thanked the Minister, noting that the donation will make a huge difference for children.
“I’m lost for words, but we feel very special to be visited by the Minister, who also donated these gifts for us,” said an emotional Moshupje.
Every year on 18 July, the international community joins South Africa in honouring the legacy of global icon Nelson Mandela in ways that acknowledge his values and his dedication to the service of humanity.
In the State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma encouraged all South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to cleaning up South Africa's cities, villages and schools.
This year's Nelson Mandela International Day is particularly poignant for South Africans, as it is the first since the passing of the former president.
It offers South Africans and the world an occasion to honour the ethos of the late former President Mandela in the year that also marks 20 years of freedom in South Africa.
The event also coincided with the National Imbizo Focus Week, which ensures constant engagements between the national executive and communities. It is one of government’s communication platforms that deepen citizen involvement in all aspects of public life. – SAnews.gov.za
