The KZN MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma said he does not want anyone in his hometown, Umzumbe, to have a gloomy Christmas.
Duma was speaking in Ward 19 under Umzumbe Municipality when he brought Operation Khumbul’ekhaya to the area, a Christmas ceremony for the elderly.
The MEC said the programme aimed to show appreciation for the elderly people in the neighbourhood. During the event, Duma presented Christmas gifts, food parcels, cheques for small businesses, and more.
“After working hard the whole year, it is important to give something back where you come from. The way parents raised children before, they had hope that one day they will be taken care of by those them. However, our parents now bear the responsibility of taking care of their children even after they have raised them to be adults while raising their grandchildren,” said Duma.
He said it is morally inappropriate for one to have three bags of mielie meal for Christmas while a neighbour and their family has nothing to eat.
“We don’t want people who are struggling financially this Christmas to feel left out than those who can afford during this time of the year. I am happy to be here in Mthwalume because these people raised us, made us strong, they made us who we are today. We are happy that they appreciate this initiative,” he said.
The forecast reductions in the wholesale price of diesel will bring this fuel cost down to around R20,32/l inland, coming in at a price lower than the same time last year
