Hamba Mamba Funda and Maxhaven unite for Nelson Mandela Day celebration

On Nelson Mandela Day, a special programme brought together community members and organisations to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, through acts of kindness and service.
The event featured a series of presentations and activities aimed at fostering community spirit and providing practical support to those in need.

The event kicked off with Fikele Poka, from Heartlines, serving as the MC. Poka warmly welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day by highlighting the purpose of the event – to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy through community service and unity.

The programme of the day got underway with representatives from the Food Evolution and Research Laboratory (FERL) taking to the stage. Their presentation focused on innovative ways to tackle food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits. FERL showcased their latest research and developments in food science, offering practical solutions that could benefit the community.

Next up were members of the Flower Foundation who presented their Jars of Hope initiative. They highlighted the importance of the initiative, which involves filling and distributing jars filled with nutritious ingredients to those in need. The foundation also discussed their clothing drive, sharing heartwarming stories of how their efforts have positively impacted many lives.

The Department of Health’s presentation focused on important health topics, offering valuable information to the community. The department’s representatives shared insights into ongoing health initiatives and provided tips on maintaining good health.

ALSO READ: Ferndale on Republic partners with 67 Blankets to celebrate Mandela’s birthday

Monja Boonzaier, from Hamba Bamba Funda, then presented, focusing on the importance of facial interaction and mouth stimulation in early childhood development. Monja’s engaging presentation highlighted how simple interactions can significantly impact a child’s cognitive and emotional growth. The audience was captivated by her practical tips, and the passion she brought to the subject.

The Flower Foundation returned for a practical session featuring a cooking demonstration related to their Jars of Hope initiative. Representatives from the foundation showed attendees how to prepare nutritious meals using the ingredients provided in the jars. This hands-on session was both educational and inspiring, encouraging community members to get involved and support those in need through simple, yet impactful actions.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Fikele Poka. Mam Glory Morake, from the City of Johannesburg, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, participants, and everyone who attended. She acknowledged the significant impact of the event, and the spirit of Mandela Day, reminding everyone of the importance of giving back to the community.

As a final gesture, hampers were distributed to attendees, symbolizing the collective effort to support and uplift one another. The event was a resounding success, leaving everyone inspired and committed to continuing Nelson Mandela’s legacy of compassion and service.

ALSO READ: Young learners lead the way in Mandela Day celebrations at Blairgowrie Primary

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Share with us your story ideas on our WhatsApp group.