Community members surprise disadvantaged with early Mandela Day celebration
“This is important to us homeless people. Some of us have been sleeping with an empty stomach for more than a week,” says one of the beneficiaries.
Mandela Day celebrations came early to more than 50 homeless people who on Tuesday received a meal at the park in Gezina, Pretoria.
Madiba’s birthday is celebrated on July 18 all over the world to honour the life and legacy of the late statesman, Nelson Mandela.
Individuals, communities and organisations celebrate the day by reflecting on Madiba’s values and principles. In celebration of the former struggle icon’s birthday, interested people and organisations conduct various activities to make a positive impact in their communities.
Photo: Ron Sibiya
Local businessman Ntokozo Nkosi, popularly known as Redbillion, together with community members, embarked on a drive to provide the needy with a warm meal amid this week’s chilly weather.
“We do this to honour Tata Madiba and to encourage Good Samaritans in the Capital City, throughout the country and the world to honour the former statesman 365 days a year,” Redbillion told Rekord.
The event was held at the park on Flowers Street, between Johan Heyns Drive and Steve Biko Road.
Photo: Ron Sibiya
He said South Africa faces serious problems of poverty.
Redbillion said the current President of the country, Cyril Ramaphosa, reminded us that former President Mandela once said that overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. “It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”
Many people sometimes go to bed on an empty stomach for a week or more owing to the poor economy and a high rate of unemployment, he said.
“I am adamant that we will reduce the effects of poverty in our communities when we work together.”
Photo: Ron Sibiya
He called on everyone to play a role in changing the lives of those who are less fortunate in society.
“While donating food to the needy plays an important role in easing their pain of hunger but a long-term solution, such as helping them acquire skills and jobs, is needed.
One of the beneficiaries, Bongani Ntshangase thanked Redbillion and other community members for providing the meal.
“This came as a huge surprise to us and we thank these members of the community,” Ntshangase said.
“This is important to us homeless people. Some of us have been sleeping on an empty stomach for more than a week.”
He said that he was from KwaZulu-Natal and came to Pretoria to look for job opportunities.
“I, unfortunately, sleep in a park and do not have a job.”
Community leader Lilly Sambo said helping those in need is necessary.
“Disadvantaged people are human beings who need help and love.”
She called on everyone to play a role in changing the lives of those who are unable to help themselves.
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