Sibanye-Stillwater together with the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) deep-cleaned and sanitized the Bekkersdal taxi rank as part of their Nelson Mandela Day activities on Saturday, 18 July.
Taxi associations, ward councillors, the municipality and even mine representatives were present to give a hand.
Lucas Moloto, superintendent of Community Engagement and Development (CED) at Sibanye-Stillwater welcomed everyone and talked about safety.
“Safety in the mines is very important. Without safety, a mine cannot thrive. In addition, the utmost care and precautions are taken to protect workers. Some of the Covid-19 safety measures include wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining a safe social distance of two metres, and again washing or sanitizing your hands whenever you touch surfaces.”
Brenda Mahuma, RWCLM executive mayor then spoke about the purpose of Nelson Mandela Day.
It is a day to reflect and honour the legacy of Madiba and continue to fight poverty, promote peace and reconciliation as well as cultural diversity.
“No one knew that 2020 would be such a bad year due to Covid-19. We need to continue to fight this new enemy. We also wish to use this occasion and send our condolences to the Mandela family for the untimely death of Zindzi Mandela, daughter of Nelson Mandela.”
At the time of print, she said about 1 900 people have been infected in Rand West City and that 15 lives have been lost. Among those infected are employees of the RWCLM which has disrupted service delivery to a large extent.
“We continue losing people to Covid-19. This virus knows no race, boundary, age or background. It is deadly. I therefore call on communities to abide by the regulations and health protocols.”
She furthermore expressed appreciation to Sibanye-Stillwater for coming up with the idea of cleaning the taxi rank.
People make use of public transport every day, so one can never sanitize enough.”
Thembinkosi Shelembe, secretary of SANTACO Western Gauteng and chairperson of the Greater Westonaria Taxi Services, said for most, taxis are the only mode of public transport, hence cleaning the taxi rank is vital.
He was also very touched by the number of men who came out in support of the initiative. He then grabbed the opportunity with both hands to speak to all the men about violence against women and children.
“I cannot keep quiet about this issue, as it haunts me. Let us take care of our women and children in our society; it begins with us.”
He also thanked Sibanye-Stillwater.
“I am very honoured and grateful for the visit by Sibanye-Stillwater. Their presence made us feel important.”
