SKILPADNEST – The First Lady of Limpopo, Mme Mokgadi Mathale celebrated her birthday with the children of Chrome Mine Primary School on Friday 20 August 2010.
Mme Mathale was accompanied by her husband, the Premier of Limpopo, mr Cassel Mathale, Mayor Naledi Matlou of Thabazimbi, councillors and members of the community.
After visiting one of the first families to settle in Skilpadnest, the entourage proceeded to the school for the birthday celebration. Ms Martha Manamela of Limpopo First Lady Trust presented the purpose as that of celebrating the day with needy school children. She further thanked all sponsors for helping the trust. “When requests were made to Kumba Iron Ore, we saw it as an important thing to do”, said Sibusiso Tenza on behalf of the sponsors. He further said that Kumba is willing to participate even in future and contribute to the trust.
The trust is responsible for looking after destitute families and the vulnerable. Me Mathale further encouraged learners to study hard as the future lies in their hands. She made an appeal to women to work for themselves and not to wait for men to do things for and mentioned sewing and gardening projects as some of the projects that they can occupy themselves with.
Furthermore she highlighted to all the Women that there is no “winner or loser” in this world but the way you participate will ultimately make you a winner. Later on the cakes were cut and all learners were given a share.
Later on the day the group visited the family of Ms Elizabeth Tshabalala. Mme Mathale was touched by the plight of Ms Tshabalala whom she met at the hospital. “Finally we have some blankets and groceries to eat, said an emotional Ms Tshabalala.” She thanked the First Lady Trust and the good gesture shown by the Mathale family.
Joshua Motsomane
