The Orlando Pirates’ loyal supporters fan club (Westonaria Branch) celebrated Mandela Day at Itumeleng School for Learners with Special Educational Needs.
The chairperson of the fan club, Kedi Mathope, added he was more than willing to host a donation drive to raise funds for the school. He claimed that since the learners come from poverty-stricken communities, he thought it would be a great idea to spend his 67 minutes with the learners.
The event included many prayers along with words of encouragement from staff members. The parcels were handed over to every learner who accepted them with bright smiles. Thereafter, learners enjoyed themselves by dancing and singing.
According to deputy principal Batseba Sibisi, the event aimed to educate the learners about the role Nelson Mandela played in the freedom of South Africa.
“This day is important since it is a day to celebrate kindness and honour Nelson Mandela’s work. Every year we are reminded of how he fought for social justice, human rights and peace. It is our responsibility to give back to the community,” Batseba said.
Batseba added that it is important to help the disabled during Mandela Day since they have the basic right to access needs like every person. She stated that disabled people need support and that their learners are disadvantaged in the community and rely on grants for survival.
The school caters to learners with special educational needs and Batseba mentioned that learners with severe and profound intellectual disabilities are looked after.
“Learners have different types of disabilities and barriers to learning and they all need higher support for them to learn,” she said.
Kedi concluded that they previously had a fundraiser to give the learners toiletries and snack parcels.
