Boksburg community unite on Mandela Day to uplift neighbourhoods and lend a helping hand

Oganisation, community centres, and local residents celebrated Nelson Mandela Day on July 18 by giving back, helping others, and making a positive impact.

Boksburg Community Project South

They organised a 67-minute clean-up campaign in Freeway Park, joining forces with the East of Joburg Alliance to boost the local neighbourhood.

Talfryn Harris, a member of the Boksburg Community Project, said they wanted to be proud of where they were living by keeping their neighbourhood clean, as the actual output from the City or Ekurhuleni (CoE) had been very low.

“We decided to take matters into our hands and do this ourselves.”
The clean-up campaign saw residents, businesses, and organisations unite to transform the park by removing litter, clearing overgrown vegetation, and reviving the area’s appearance.

“Every contribution, whether a small donation or an hour of volunteering, makes a significant difference.

“By uniting as a community, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant environment for everyone to enjoy,” said Harris.

Community of Hope Multipurpose Centre

The centre, in collaboration with the Reiger Park Community Forum, celebrated Nelson Mandela Day by providing 300 in its ‘meals per household’ project for the elderly.

The centre also partnered with Volvo in Jet Park to distribute blankets to those in need throughout the area.

Elaine Appies, Community of Hope Multipurpose Centre director, explained they identified the elderly and those in need in the community.

They made it their mission to provide them with essential support and comfort during these challenging times.

“The joy and gratitude we witnessed on the faces of those we assisted was truly heart-warming.

It is proof to the power of community collaboration and the spirit of Mandela’s legacy.

“Mandela’s vision was to create a society where everyone has access to basic necessities and opportunities to thrive.

“By working together and supporting one another, we can take steps towards realising that vision in our own community,” Appies.

Also Read: #MandelaDay: Boksburg residents to engage in acts of kindness

Thusang Community Development

Thusang, in partnership with several local organisations, extended a helping hand to Ekukhanyeni Primary School in Ramaphosa informal settlement by providing much-needed food and detergents.

The initiative aimed to support the school’s efforts in creating a conducive learning environment for its learners.

Lufuno Mudzuli, the founder of Thusang Community Development, emphasised the importance of community involvement in fostering educational success.

“Our goal is to ensure that no child goes hungry and that the learning environment remains clean and safe.

“We hope to alleviate some of the burdens of the school and its learners by providing these essential supplies,” said Mudzuli.

One of the teachers at the School, Matshepo Selala, expressed gratitude for the generous donations.

“These supplies will help in ensuring our learners have a healthy and clean environment.”

Phakamani Africa

This organisation for the elderly organised a 67-minute walk to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

The event, held in Ramaphosa informal settlement, drew a vibrant crowd of elderly participants eager to celebrate the day with a sense of unity and purpose.

The walk began at the Agape Grace Ministries Church, a central hub for the NPOs, symbolising the church’s role in fostering togetherness and support.

Moses Lipele, the founder of Phakamani Africa Elderly Organisation, spoke passionately about the event’s significance.

“Nelson Mandela’s legacy is one of unity, compassion, and strength. By organising this walk, we aim to bring the elderly community together, raise awareness about their needs, and promote physical fitness.

“It is a small but meaningful way to honour Madiba’s 67 years of public service,” Lipele said.

Also Read: Celebrations of Mandela Day in some parts of Boksburg