MEC Makatong (right) handing over a laptop to one of the educators
JTG District
As the world continue to celebrate the iconic Nelson Mandela Day, the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works capable led by MEC Fufe Makatong was no exception as the MEC has lent a helping hand to schools and a household in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
Accompanied by the Head of Department, Dr Johnny MacKay, MEC Makatong donated school shoes to learners at Vlakfontein primary school and laptops to the teachers of Baitiredi Technical and Combined school.
“I visited the school last year during the executive council school re-opening program, and I made a commitment that I will assist with some of the learners’ needs. This year, I received a message that there was a break-in at the school, and teachers’ laptops were stolen. I made a commitment that I would buy the teachers new laptops. Today, I am delivering to that promise,” said MEC Makatong.
The MEC further lent a helping hand to the reconstruction of a home, after a mother of two was left without a place to stay when the house was destroyed by fire, in Gantathelang village. The family lost clothes, food, and household furniture.
“The burning of a house, especially during winter, it is really heartbreaking. Upon receiving the message, I instructed the team from the department to do something in order to restore the dignity of the family. Today, we are here to reconstruct the structure and put new furniture and appliances. We have bought the kids new clothes and groceries,” said MEC Makatong.
MEC Makatong said on this Mandela Day, everyone should be inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words when he was addressing the scourge of poverty in our communities when he said; “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”
“These inspirational words by former President Nelson Mandela should be a constant reminder that we must do more to fight the scourge of poverty and inequality.
This year’s Nelson Mandela Day is commemorated under the theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”
