POLOKWANE – Reathabile Youth Centre from Mankweng felt Mandela Day was the best time to give back to the elderly and clean the Rephologile Old Age Centre’s premises in Mense.
The centre was motivated by Mandela’s quote that reads: “It’s only fitting to reserve a special day each year to honour our elders who mean so much to us.”
The centre founder Samuel Thabana (26) told BONUS they decided to partake in this initiative because it would make the elderly feel appreciated and loved.
Volunteers showed up at the old age to do some spring cleaning in and outside the premises, as well as to prepare breakfast and lunch for the elderly.
Thabana thanked the youth who assisted the organisation to make the day possible.
“Thank you to Molepo Dental for putting a smile on the elderly. I’m impressed to know we still have youth of this calibre in our communities who are willing to do voluntary work to try and make a change in their communities, despite the challenges they’re faced with. It is heartwarming. This couldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for everyone who assisted us, and it is indeed a day well spent. Let’s continue with Mandela’s spirit everyday and I believe we will see the good that comes out of it,” Thabana said.
To recognise the hard work he does within the community, Thabana was given an award for Raising Legends on June 25. He was also selected to attend the Arab Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) conference in September where delegates get to debate upon pressing issues, negotiate and form resolutions to solve the most pressing issues of the world.
The conference has several sessions specially designed to address sensitive political issues of today, so that participants can share and receieve knowledge about the current global situations.
“This trip is very important to me and I’m humbly requesting donations for me to be able to get a visa and pay for my flight to and from Dubai.”
For any financial support, Thabana can be contacted on 071 261 2272.