Speaker of the City of Tshwane Council, Cllr Mncedi Ndzwanana, marked Mandela Day by restoring hope and dignity to a vulnerable single-mother household in Refilwe Informal Settlement photos supplied
By Mzwandile Khathi
Media Relations Specialist in the City of Tshwane
The Speaker of the City of Tshwane Council, Cllr Mncedi Ndzwanana, marked Mandela Day by restoring hope and dignity to a vulnerable single-mother household in Refilwe Informal Settlement through the donation of groceries, two beds and blankets.
The 29-year-old mother of three had been sleeping on the floor with her children in the informal structure they call home.
After the family was identified by the Office of the Speaker during community outreach initiatives, Cllr Ndzwanana personally visited the household to hand over the donations as part of the Office’s Mandela Day programme.
The initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Office of the Speaker and Madina Cellphones, a local business based in Rayton, which contributed two beds and blankets, while the Office of the Speaker provided groceries to support the family.
“We are here today to dedicate our 67 minutes to Mandela Day, but I believe this spirit of giving should be practised every day,” said Cllr Ndzwanana.
“We understand the challenges many of our people are facing. Our responsibility does not end today but we must continue to care for one another and support those who are most vulnerable in our communities.”
The Speaker also expressed his gratitude to Madina Cellphones for answering the call to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the family.
“We sincerely thank Madina Cellphones for partnering with us and demonstrating the true spirit of Ubuntu.
Their generosity has restored dignity and comfort to this family, particularly the children, who now have proper beds to sleep on,” he said.
Representing Madina Cellphones, Adeel Ahmad said the business remains committed to giving back to the community that has supported it over the years.
“We are honoured to make this contribution to the family and the community of Refilwe as a token of our appreciation.
We hope these beds, blankets and groceries will bring comfort and make a positive difference in their lives, especially for the children,” said Ahmad.
The collaboration between the Office of the Speaker and Madina Cellphones demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when government and local businesses work together to uplift vulnerable communities and restore hope where it is needed most.
For the Office of the Speaker, Mandela Day is more than a once-off act of service.
It is a reminder that compassion, generosity and community solidarity should guide our actions every day of the year.
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