Thabazimbi Municipality and stakeholders celebrate Nelson Mandela Day

Joshua Motsomane

THABAZIMBI – Thabazimbi Local Municipality and some of their stakeholders participated in various outreaches as part of the celebrations of Mandela Day on Thursday 18 July 2013, which marked the 95th birthday of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and the fourth Nelson Mandela International Day.

After Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations in London’s Hyde Park in 2008 where he said, “It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now,” Mandela Day was born. The United Nations officially declared 18 July as International Nelson Mandela Day in November 2009.

Initiatives for this occasion by Thabazimbi Local Municipality and its stakeholders, were cleaning of cemeteries, a cleaning campaign at Smashblock coupled with the launch of a recycling project, distribution of blankets, paraffin heaters at Rooiberg and Skierlik respectively, cleaning at Northam as well as soup distribution to the needy community and patients in the Northam Clinic and the painting of Northam Comprehensive School.

The initiatives were possible with the partnership of Anglo American KIO Thabazimbi Mine which donated 200 paraffin heaters and 20 blankets, Northam Platinum Mine for repairing toilets, ceiling, lights and painting of Northam Comprehensive classroom, Department of Public Works which assisted in cutting of grass at the Northam Comprehensive school, community of Regorogile and Municipal councillors as well as officials for cleaning Regorogile cemeteries and the Smashblock cleaning of the road towards Maroelafontein.

Mayor Patricia Mosito, Anglo American KIO Thabazimbi mine GM, Mrs Cornelia Holtzhausen, Speaker Sylvia Matsietsa with some of community members of Skierlik receiving paraffin heaters.