Lets take everyday as Mandela Day

MEC Shongwe calls local businesses to assist government in improving people’s lives Staff Reporter As part of honouring the legacy of South Africa’s first democratic iconic state President, Nelson Mandela, Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has called on local business people to join hands with government inorder to combat poverty. Shongwe was speaking during a Mandela Day Celebration by the Department in Breyten on Wednesday 17 July 2013, a day before Madiba’s birthday. This activity is part of the department’s vulnerable groups’s quality of life. Activities included renovation of Sizanani Old Age Home and Nthuthuko disabled centre in the area. Stakeholders who includeded Msobo Mine, government departments and local businesses, donated school uniforms, blankets, sanitary towels, care packs and food parcels which were donated to the community of Breyten. He also recognised the outstanding role done by other local business people in improving the lives of people. Shongwe said that the involvement of local business people in government initiatives is crucial. He acknowledged Msobo Mine for the contribution they made to the project and urged them to continue working with government in order to make a change in the community of Breyten and others. Meanwhile MEC Shongwe also donated school uniform to 100 learners of Sibongindawo Primary School in Ogies near Witbank on Tuesday. He said that he believed more still needed to be done to enhance the quality of lives of learners at the school so that learning and teaching environment is improved. Shongwe has acknowledged all government officials for working together in making sure that Mandela’s legacy lives on. Shongwe has also pleaded with parents to play an active role in their children’s lives and not abdicate their responsibilities to government or teachers alone. He said more and more young people are falling into the drugs and this may jeopardise their future. The MEC also said there was a need for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to eradicate challenge of drug abuse among young people. He said the infrastructure at the school needed improved so that criminals do not take advantage of the inadequate infrastructure. He said that the environment that is not conducive to learning and teaching also demoralises learners and others may find themselves in the streets and that may lead to more social ills.