Byline: Hlakaniphile Vilakazi
Every year, as South Africans, we honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela on the 18th of July through acts of selfless service. This year, the City of Tshwane Health Department partnered with Spar, which generously donated 10,000 pairs of school shoes for distribution throughout Tshwane. Members of the City of Tshwane Health Department and Spar representatives rallied together and distributed school shoes to 17 schools across various regions of Tshwane. The shoes were distributed in Hammanskraal, Winterveld, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria North and West, Eersterust, Mamelodi East and West, Olievenhoutbosch, and Bronkhorstspruit.
Rina Marx, the MMC of the Department of Health City of Tshwane, said, “We also used this opportunity to urge educators to do their absolute best to ensure that Madiba’s legacy lives on through the children under their guidance and care. The City of Tshwane recognizes that it cannot impact the lives of our people when we attempt to do this alone. We recognize the value of public-private partnerships, such as our partnership with Spar.” She also added that the communities of Tshwane can only benefit from their collective efforts.
According to Mxolisi Mahlangu, a teacher from Khangela Primary School, this initiative has helped many children who come from disadvantaged families. Now, every child can look the same in their school uniform. “A hand that gives will always be blessed,” he said. Sophie Sibiya mentioned that the Department of Health has brought back those innocent smiles again.
“It is for this reason that I want to thank Retha Ingenbleek from Spar for this generous donation. This Mandela Day holds special significance as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of our former President Nelson Mandela. Going forward, let us remain focused on why we are truly here as public servants. It is not just about service to others on one day. This is what defined who Madiba was and his legacy still lives on,” Rina Marx concluded.
