Elderly residents surprised by generosity

The Sebenza SAPS celebrated Mandela Day by donating food and other household items to the Thornhill manor village in Modderfontein.

The day is celebrated each year on July 18, which is the late President Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first Mandela Day being held on July 18, 2010.

The Sebenza SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, said as part of the celebrations, the station was given an instruction by the national police office to identify old age homes and shelters in the area.

“As the Sebenza SAPS, we identified the Thornhill manor village as a home we would like to donate to. The elderly deserve to be looked after and this was the perfect opportunity for us to do something for them,”said Sgt Tsotsotso.

Mr Brian Burls, the acting chairman for the Thornhill manor village committee, said they didn’t know the Sebenza SAPS would be donating to the home and were taken by surprise.

“We didn’t expect to receive anything for ourselves but we are grateful for the contribution the police station has made,” said Mr Burls.

Thornhill manor village residents not only receive donations, they also donated parcels to Nobel Primary School.

Mr Burls said the residents donated food and other items in order to give to those less fortunate.

“We identified a school in the area and spoke to the principal about donating some food items to children in the school. Thirty-six parcels were packed by the residents and will be donated to those children identified by the school,” he said.

Ms Esme Erasmus, the complex manager, also thanked the Sebenza SAPS for the donation.

“We are very grateful for all they have done. When they said they would bring donations, we did not expect so much. As you can see, this is a lot. These will also be donated to the school, along with the other parcels that were donated by the residents. We are so happy,” said Ms Erasmus.