67 minutes of impact: Government, businesses and communities uplift Nkangala District
By Mathabatha Maila, Simphiwe Jennifer, Zinhle Masilela, Rodney Hlatshwayo, Nelisiwe Skhosana, Parmella Zondo, Nodicah Fundama & Portia Nkambule
Nkangala District Municipality- The Mandela Day brought rays of sunlight to one forgotten man, Boy Innos Dimba (83), who had been subjected to poverty and his dignity stripped in Phola, Emalahleni Local Municipality.
For years, Dimba survived without his identity document and SASSA card, which, he says, was taken by a family relative under the pretense of helping to manage his affairs. Yet he was left without income, care, or recognition from the system meant to protect him.
But hope came knocking when Betty Masilela, a devoted community health worker, got aware of Dimba’s difficulties while doing routine door-to-door visits to her patients. Shaken by what she saw, Masilela immediately escalated the matter to the SoGutjhe Royal House, under the leadership of Ndabezitha Sipho Mahlangu.
The royal house worked with builders, volunteers and community members to give mkhul’ Dimba a new home.
Speaking at the handover, the SoGutjhe Royal House emphasised that Mandela Day is not about publicity, but purpose. “We are not here just to paint walls; we are here to heal lives,” said Ndabezitha Sipho Mahlangu. “Every elder deserves to be safe, warm, and recognised.
Dimba was deeply moved by this gesture. “I had given up,” he said. “I thought the world forgot me. But today, I see I’m not alone.”
While the SoGutjhe Royal House was restoring Dimba’s dignity, the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality distributed 120 blankets across wards 23 to 28, bringing warmth and relief to elderly residents in Middelburg.
The donation drive aimed at assisting vulnerable community members battling the winter chill. Leading the initiative was the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements and Spatial Development, Letsatsi Ernest Nkwana, who emphasised the municipality’s continued commitment to supporting those in need.
Ward 26 Councillor Madoda Amigo said the beneficiaries were carefully selected. “In my ward, I personally selected 23 individuals who are truly in need. Many residents cannot afford to buy blankets, and this donation will go a long way in helping them cope with the cold,” he said.
One of the grateful beneficiaries, Elinah Sgudla from Ward 26, said: “I’m very happy to receive this blanket. It shows that the municipality still carries the spirit of kindness and democracy that Mandela stood for. This day means so much to me. We’ve come a long way with democracy, and I hope the municipality continues doing this in the years to come.”
Sgudla isn’t the only one who was thrilled at receiving blankets. Ward 17 Councillor Sizwe Mathebula, in partnership with Thungela Resources, also handed over blankets and food parcels to residents in need at Overline, under Emalahleni.
Mathebula and Thungela Resources delivered the blankets at Witbank Primary in Schoongezicht, where nearly 60 people gathered at the school to witness and partake in the occasion. “I could not attend it last year because of bad knees, but today I prayed and asked God to give me strength to go and get my blanket,” explained one of the beneficiaries, Mimi Jacobs. “I’m so happy that my knees allowed me to come.”
Councillor Mathebula expressed gratitude to Thungela Resources’ continued partnership in serving the community. “Mandela Day is not just about one day of service; it’s about making a lasting impact. Today, we are reminded that dignity can come in the form of a blanket or a meal, and that no act of kindness is ever too small,” he said.
In Delmas, the MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation Leah Mabuza, along with Executive Mayor of Victor Khanye Local Municipality Vusi Buda, spearheaded a community upliftment initiative.
Backed by stakeholders such as MTN, Exxaro, Thungela Resources, Stuart Coal and Sephaku Cement, the event brought hope to various wards.
The Botleng Library in ward 5 received laptops and blankets, senior residents in the community and those who reside at Botleng Old Age Home in ward 6 received blankets and groceries.
They also renovated the walls at the elderly home and have provided exercising equipment for the senior citizens who reside at the facility. In ward 2, they delivered books and groceries to the Thuthukani Day Care while the Ekhukanyeni Drop-in Center in Ward 4 received cleaning services and groceries.
The ZADAN Projects, together with the Joe Sibanyoni Foundation, King Fanas Foundation and SipVic Security Services, were extremely busy visiting six schools and one disabled centre in Kwaggafontein, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
They renovated some classrooms at Mafu Secondary School, Mphalali Secondary School and built a new wall to separate the male and female toilets at Mkhephuli Secondary School, donated a printer worth R50,000 at Sokapho Secondary School, provided school uniform to Mgwezani Primary School.
For the Qedusizi Disabled Centre, in addition to renovations, they donated two JoJo tanks and food hampers while Sindawoye Primary School received two laptops and five dustbins.
The Emalahleni Local Municipality brought together residents and local organisations to participate in various activities in Kriel. Some of these activities include cleaning up public spaces, painting community facilities and distributing food to vulnerable households. The event was a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that can be made when individuals come together to give back to their community.
The Klarinet Clinic, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), held an Open Day in Siyanqoba township to promote healthy living and crime awareness.
The outreach focused on bringing essential services to a community with limited access to healthcare and policing. Residents received free health screenings and educational talks from professional nurses who stressed the importance of early detection and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
SAPS officers engaged with the community to raise awareness about crime prevention and encouraged residents to report criminal activity through proper channels rather than resorting to vigilantism. The initiative aimed at strengthening trust between the police and the community.
The organisers described the outreach initiative as a continuation of Madiba’s vision — reaching out to the vulnerable and ensuring no one is left behind.
In the spirit of not leaving anyone behind, the Kakarambha Foundation in partnership with Commodity Logistics Management Africa held a haircut drive meant to show care to young people navigating challenges related to substance use.
The event underscored the critical role of community support in promoting youth well-being. By focusing on young people affected by substance abuse, the partnering organisations shed light on the importance of inclusive and compassionate support systems.
Though modest in scale, the initiative was a powerful and meaningful gesture of giving back, perfectly aligned with the values of compassion, dignity, and community upliftment that Mandela Day represents.
