Nelson Mandela Day Commemoration Brings Essential Services Closer to the Community
Emalahleni Local Municipality, in partnership with the Department of Social Development, various sector departments, and local service centres, today commemorated Nelson Mandela Day in Tshatshu Village, Ward 01.
The event was honoured by the presence of Member of Parliament Ms Nonkosi Mvana, who delivered the keynote address.
Her Worship, Mayor Councillor Nontombizanele Koni, highlighted the significance of the day, stating that Nelson Mandela Day is an opportunity to honour and appreciate elderly citizens while remembering the late former President and global icon, Tata Nelson Mandela, for his selfless contribution to South Africa’s democracy and freedom.
“The purpose of this partnership is to ensure the success of this important day by bringing together government departments to render services on wheels. Our objective is to take essential government services closer to our communities and improve access for our residents,” said Mayor Koni.
In her keynote address, Honourable Nonkosi Mvana echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, emphasising that Nelson Mandela Day is a time to honour Tata Nelson Mandela and all the heroes and heroines who sacrificed for the freedom South Africans enjoy today.
She further encouraged all eligible citizens to participate in the upcoming voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August 2026, urging them to register and exercise their democratic right by voting on election day.
Earlier in the day, the Mayor and the Member of Parliament visited a 105-year-old centenarian, where they oversaw the painting of her home and minor renovations, including the replacement of broken window panes. The centenarian also received groceries, a blanket, a walking stick, and a carpet as part of the Municipality’s 67 Minutes of Service initiative in honour of Nelson Mandela Day.
As part of the municipality’s commitment to supporting senior citizens, 200 elderly residents received blankets, while 100 walking sticks were distributed to those in need.
The commemoration was attended by Members of the Executive Committee of Emalahleni Local Municipality, the Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus, Ward Councillors, officials from the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health, as well as representatives from the Municipality’s Human Settlements, Special Programmes, Communications, Public Participation, and Customer Care units.
The event reflected the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy by promoting service to others, restoring dignity, and strengthening collaboration among government stakeholders in improving the lives of local communities.
