Limpopo shows heart on Mandela Day
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela. It is on this principle that Mandela Day rests. The United Nations adopted 18 July, the late …
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“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela.
It is on this principle that Mandela Day rests. The United Nations adopted 18 July, the late statesman and struggle icon’s birthday as the date of annual commemoration of his life. Those who honour the day do so by giving 67 minutes of their time, in keeping with the 67 years he devoted to the liberation struggle, to do good to others through service.
![Centenary House spoiled with party: Centenary House resident Charity Manyena enjoying the cupcake she decorated during a party held by Association for Persons with Disability for the residents of Centenary House.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news3-2-201x300.jpg)
The Nelson Mandela Foundation says actions, no matter how big or small, should consistently focus on the realisation or restoration of dignity and empowerment through contributions.
The Polokwane community once again showed that they don’t stand back for anyone when it comes to honouring Madiba. This was proved by the many voluntary outreaches and visits in which from ordinary citizens to highflying politicians were engaged on Monday.
Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba, opened her heart by visiting the TLC paediatric oncology ward of the Provincial Hospital on Monday. She stated that by celebrating Mandela Day people celebrate the life of Mandela through giving and caring for others.
Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng joined Ramathuba on her visit.
Istha McMillan, Patient Experience Manager at Mediclinic Limpopo and her staff came bearing gifts at the TLC ward. The staff spent time with the children, opening their presents for them and spreading tender loving care.
McDonalds Polokwane CBD, surprised the children at the TLC Ward with lunch. Each child received a happy meal, a toy and a balloon and was met by McDonald’s staff with dance and song.
Story: Alet-Elize van Jaarsveld
>>alet-elize@observer.co.za
Photos: Editorial team
Featured photo: MEC of the Department of Health, giving and caring: TLC patient Mathapelo Phalo receives a giftbag from Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba who visisted the ward on Monday.
![Marakele National Park: Employees of Marakele National Park near Thabazimbi joined hands in establishing vegetable gardens for two families in the Regorogile community, just 15 minutes outside of the park. Mphadeni Nthangeni, Park Manager of Marakele explained that the families were selected by the municipality as they are needy and will benefit a great deal from the gardens.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news10-2-300x201.jpg)
![Polokwane Police visit Samaritan Centre: Polokwane Police visited Samaritan Centre on Friday to celebrate Mandela Day. They interacted with children of the centre and engaged with them on topics such as child abuse and family violence. At the back are Frans Malefo, Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Police’s Victim Empowerment Centre with Peter Galane, Samaritan Centre and Valery Maloba, Coordinating Officer of Social Crime Prevention at Polokwane Police Station. Police also visited Myngenoegen Shelter to engage with residents.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news9-2-300x201.jpg)
![Hawks spend Mandela Day with the blind: Limpopo Hawks celebrated Mandela Day by visiting and interacting with learners from the Rivoni School for the Blind in Elim on Monday. Members of the Hawks spent valuable time with learners including joining a 5 km walk before members got down and dirty cleaning the school.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news8-2-300x201.jpg)
![Police reach out to primary school: Police, including Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba, exchanged their uniforms for overalls during Mandela Day to renovate Mahlavezulu Primary School outside Tzaneen. Members in blue fixed the roof of the school as well as donated food, vegetables and blankets to children of the Deliverance Centre Crèche in the area.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news7-2-300x201.jpg)
![Mediclinic cares for TLC ward: Eagle Mohlono, Care Worker and Istha McMillan, Patient Experience Manager at Mediclinic Limpopo delivered gifts to the children at the TLC Ward. With them is little Maite Hlulani.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news6-2-300x201.jpg)
![Suid-Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie serves elderly in Sheshego: Dishing up soup and muffins for the elderly at Arethekganeng Old Age Centre are SAVF social worker Serena McLaren, Chairperson Service Management, Hantie van Staden, Vice-Chairperson Service Management Sophia de Swardt and Gloudine Smit van der Westhuizen, National Second Vice-President .](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news5-2-300x201.jpg)
Dishing up soup and muffins for the elderly at Arethekganeng Old Age Centre are SAVF social worker Serena McLaren, Chairperson Service Management, Hantie van Staden, Vice-Chairperson Service Management Sophia de Swardt and Gloudine Smit van der Westhuizen, National Second Vice-President .
![Martha Hofmeyr treated to cleanup: National Council of African Women member Jemina Sethoho and Chairperson, Mapula Motuku busy washing dishes at Martha Hofmeyr Old Age Home.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news4-2-300x201.jpg)
![Age in Action cares for elderly: Age in Action members made their 67 mintutes count by cleaning Bella Vista Home for the elderly. Here are Age in Action members Maria Ragedi, Saartjie Molokomme, and Happy Mogoboya with Ria van Vliet, Co-Manager of Bella Vista, second from right.](https://www.observer.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/141/2016/07/news2-2-300x201.jpg)