Students celebrate Mandela Day at APD

Rostec occupation qualification students spent Mandela Day with residents at the Association for Persons with Disability (APD) Limpopo, marking their second year of community engagement.

APD Limpopo, a non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the independence and integration of persons with disabilities, welcomed the students for a day of dancing and games.

Charmain Lebea, Rostec student representative, explained that their choice to spend Mandela Day at the APD reflects the day’s focus on community service. She noted that the residents have become like family, making the occasion even more meaningful.

Desiré Herb, acting director at APD, expressed gratitude for the students’ visit.

“Thank you for the wonderful food, music, and your presence. We are truly honoured that you chose to spend this special day with us,” Herb said.

Fostering innovation and technology for social good

Last Friday, Old Mutual Limpopo hosted a Mandela Day Dialogue at Broadlands Estate, led by provincial general manager Thuso Maja.

The event, held in the Old Mutual Boardroom, focused on the transformative power of innovation and technology for social good.

The dialogue brought together technologists from various fields to exchange ideas and perspectives on leveraging innovation and technology for social impact. Through real-world examples and expert insights, the discussion aimed to inspire individuals and organisations to think innovatively, collaborate effectively, and act purposefully to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

One of the key topics addressed was identity theft. Komosasa Mokaba from Limpopo Connection highlighted the prevalence of this issue in the digital age.

“Identity theft is one of the challenges many people face because we leave our identity everywhere we go, whether on social media or when applying for a job. It is easy for someone’s identity to be stolen in the ICT or any other digital space. People should always familiarise themselves with legitimate sources,” Mokaba remarked.

The dialogue also tackled various complex problems, proposing solutions to address them effectively. The participants sought to illuminate the opportunities and challenges in using technology and innovation to solve societal issues, aiming to inspire positive change and drive social impact.

LUBF hosts Mandela Day dinner for young entrepreneurs

Last Thursday evening, young entrepreneurs gathered at Tuscan Place to celebrate a 67 minutes Mandela Day dinner, hosted by the Limpopo United Business Forum (LUBF) and sponsored by Old Mutual. The event aimed to honour young entrepreneurs and focused on the crucial roles of personal branding and finance in their lives.

The programme included interactive sessions where entrepreneurs discussed the factors influencing their financial decisions, often leading to poor money management. The event provided a platform for sharing experiences and learning from each other’s successes and challenges.

Tshepo Mathabatha, the president of the forum, emphasised the importance of pursuing one’s passions with the hope of achieving success. “I don’t mind helping people grow as long as they know and understand what they want. I told myself that as long as I have helped someone before, there’s nothing that will stop me from doing it over and over again,” Mathabatha said.

She also highlighted the issue of entrepreneurs hesitating to seek assistance from established business people. “This reluctance needs to be addressed to foster growth in the industry,” Mathabatha added.

Walking for charity in Mandela month

Mandela month it is not only about walking together and being fit, but also about helping those in need.

On Saturday, Lephotse Media Entertainment and Adventures held their charity walk, which started at the Peter Mokaba Stadium and proceeded to the Park Hotel in Mokopane.

The walk saw 43 participants taking part, with some walking for 30km, ending at Tiveka Lodge while others completed the full 60km ending in Mokopane.

The purpose of the walk is to collect donations which include clothes, toys, non-perishables and anything that can be given to those who need them.

The organiser, Lephotse Kekana, highlighted that the focus is on bringing change and being of good help: “The main purpose of the initiative is to touch lives, make a difference and be of help to those in need. Donations are still welcome because helping people does not necessarily have to be through walks only”.

Medals were awarded as a token of appreciation to those who were part of this initiative.

Those who would like to be a helping hand and donate, can get in touch with Lephotse at lephotsemedia@gmail.com.

Read more on Mandela Day in this week’s Bonus Review and Polokwane Observer.

TUT donates to APD for Mandela Day

In commemoration of Mandela Month, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Directorate of Health and wellness hosted a donation drive where students, staff and people outside the university joined forces to make a difference by helping those in need.

The university managed to gather necessities such as clothes and food for the Limpopo Association for Persons with Disability center (APD).

TUT were encouraged by Mandela’s words that “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 need.”

With this in mind, TUT dedicated their 67 minutes of Mandela Day by visiting the centre.

This was their way of honoring Mandela’s legacy by dedicating their time and energy in doing something for the community.

According to TUT peer educator George Lefika, it is good to help other people. “It was a great day today and we had so much fun spending time with the people who live at APD. I can say participating in initiatives like this is mind blowing and it can make you feel part of those who hope to bring change,” he added.

The university released a statement to extended their heartfelt gratitude to those who managed to make a difference in the lives of others.

“We would love to express our deepest appreciation to those who participated in this meaningful initiative. Your willingness to give and your dedication to making a difference have not gone unnoticed”.