COGTA celebrates Mandela Day in Bushbuckridge Local Municpality
19 July 2012
COGTA joined the world in celebrating former President Nelson Mandela’s life in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. MEC Madala Masuku and Bushbuckridge Executive Mayor, Cllr Renias Khumalo and Councillors lead a team of officials in a number of activities in Lillydale, Kildare, Mabharule, Huttington and Justicia in Wards 25 and 26.
Celebrations started in Ward 26 with the painting, replacing of broken doors and windows at the Lillydale Recreation Centre. The centre was in a bad state and could not be used by the community until it was renovated. Community members expressed gratitude to both the MEC and the Executive because they could now utilize the hall for various activities. The delegation proceeded to donate seedlings and physically plant vegetables at a community gardening project. This project is working closely with the nearby Lillydale Clinic to provide food to patients that cannot afford to buy their own food.
In Huttington, Ward 25 activities included a cleanup campaign and gravelling of roads. Department of Home Affairs, SASSA and SAPS provided their services to the community at the local sports field. These services included applications for birth certificates, IDs and registration for social grants.
The celebration was concluded at Huttington Community Hall where the MEC, Executive Mayor and Councillors distributed food parcels and clothes to destitute families. MEC Masuku gave a key note address to the community clarifying reasons for celebrating Mandela Day and also urging community members to emulate the former President. “Madiba taught us to care for each other and asked that instead of showering him with gifts on his birthday we need to dedicate time to help others” said Masuku.
He urged the community to take responsibility in ensuring that public facilities are safe guarded at all times. He emphasized this point against the continuing theft of cables and transformers which lead to interruptions of water supply in the area.
Contact Person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
