Transnet community centre hosts its 67 minutes
On Wednesday, the community gathered at the Transnet Foundation's Community Hall in Welgedacht to celebrate 67 minutes for Nelson Mandela Day.
The event saw the collaborative efforts of stakeholders including the South African Police Service (SAPS), The Methodist Old Age Home, The Gospel Church, The City of Ekurhuleni, Child Welfare and various non-profit organisations execute this outreach programme.
Free HIV testing services were also made available to the public.
“Today is about honouring our late icon, Nelson Mandela,” says site manager Peter Pelele.
“Also, we want to create awareness in the community about our centre that was previously burnt down.”
“We want community members to stop burning down centres as these are the very facilities that give assistance to the community.”
The community centre also unveiled its new pledge which reads, ‘I care, we care: working together in building the community’.
Part of the ongoing 67 minutes programme also involved cleaning an elderly resident’s home, as well as providing water, washing curtains and serving breakfast.
“We did this for a 72-year-old woman in the nearby township,” says Pelele.
“We also painted the centre and tried to revamp it.”
Peter says the foundation and the community centre are passionate about making a difference in the community and society as a whole.
“We want to work together with communities to make them better,” he adds.
Assistant to the portfolio manager, Ndivhu Takalani, elaborates that the foundation and community centre would be futile without the community members it aims to serve.
“Without the community we wouldn’t be having this programme,” says Takalani.
“We want our sustainable efforts to be worthwhile for all.”
“Remember, everyday is Nelson Mandela Day so we must always carry that objective within us.”
“We want to continue doing good work everyday, not just on Nelson Mandela Day.”
In his address to the youth in attendance, Takalani motivated the audience through a message of inspiration.
“Young people need to know they can overcome all the odds and still be successful in life,” he says.
“With the right commitment and support, you can make it through anything in life.”
“That is the legacy of inspiration that Mandela left for us.”
