MIDDELBURG – The Mpumalanga Action Movement (MAM) fed thousands of residents from Middelburg and Hendrina communities during Easter, celebrating the reopening of a former Gupta-owned mine.
More than 4000 people from Middelburg and surrounding areas were treated to a delightful surprise courtesy of MAM.
Throughout the Easter period, MAM generously donated free meals to an estimated 4500 less fortunate residents from orphanages, victim support centers, and impoverished communities in Middelburg. This selfless gesture began on Saturday and concluded on Easter Monday.
MAM leadership, joined by the Mayor of Steve Tshwete Municipality, Mhlonishwa Masilela, donated 500 meals to children at the Middelburg Victim Support Centre, Umephi Baby House, CMR Children’s Home, and Care Village on Saturday. They then invited numerous community members from areas including Mhluzi, Rockdale, Hlalamnandi, Extension 24, Doornkop, Uitkyk, and nearby farms to Nando’s and Chicken Licken restaurants in downtown Middelburg Mall for meals.
The same spirit of empathy continued on Monday in Hendrina, where 2000 meals were distributed to home-based care facilities, children’s centers, and numerous local community members from surrounding farms.
MAM has been vocal in their opposition to the closure of the former Gupta-owned Optimum Coal Mine (OCM) and the planned forfeiture of the mine to the state through the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). They have also criticized the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) for allegedly refusing to allocate Liberty Coal, formerly owned by OCM, a train allocation for coal export.
After lengthy legal disputes, RBCT finally agreed to allow Liberty Coal the right to use the train allocation. This development signifies that Liberty Coal will soon revisit its plans to reopen the mine.
“As we celebrate the imminent reopening of Optimum, we extend our gratitude to our communities for their contribution to the ongoing fight for our economy and the prosperity of our communities,” said MAM spokesperson Mpumelelo Mashifane. “In the spirit of Easter, as we share this weekend with our families and congregants, let us extend our joy and share with those less fortunate and those without family during this time, to make their day a bit more special.”
MAM also expressed appreciation to all local businesses that sponsored the celebration.
“We extend a special thank you to the following organizations who partnered with us: Nando’s Middelburg, Chicken Licken Middelburg Mall, Barberry Group, Tread Stone Logistics, Liberty Coal, Middelburg Chamber of Commerce, Steve Tshwete Municipality, and local taxi associations,” concluded Mashifane.
