Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
South African Tourism Call Centre E-Tools Facebook Twitter
Mitchells Plain benefits from Mandela Day
Minister Derek Hanekom at Woodlands High School

​The community of Mitchells Plain has derived lasting benefits from Mandela Day activities aimed at supporting the youth, elderly people and those who are physically challenged.

The programme was led by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom, the Member of Parliament for Mitchells Plain.

On 18 July every year, South Africans and the international community honour former President Nelson Mandela through a day of humanitarian action in celebration of his life and legacy.

“This day is a powerful catalyst to encourage people to change the world through voluntary community work, by giving to those in need,” said Minister Hanekom.

“It is an opportunity for our nation to come together and work for the upliftment of communities and the development of humanity, by taking action, inspiring change and striving to make every day a Mandela Day.”

“Mandela was instrumental in ensuring that the nation comes together to defeat all our challenges, like apartheid, poverty and inequality.”

Minister Hanekom was joined by PRASA executives as he cut a ribbon to open new lifts which have been installed at Mitchells Plain Station. The lifts will allow physically challenged people to move freely between the station’s floors, improving their access to transport and their mobility significantly.

During his visit to the Beaconvale Frail Care Community Centre, Minister Hanekom handed over industrial laundry equipment donated by PRASA to help the elderly people cope with their domestic chores. Later in the afternoon, Minister Hanekom joined the elderly people for a high tea sponsored by the Westin Hotel.
   
Minister Hanekom also participated in sprucing up the Woodlands High School, the oldest school in the area which celebrated its 37th birthday on the day. He dug in to establish the school’s first vegetable garden, which will feed needy members of the community.

 “I thank all the sponsors who made it possible to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the community of Mitchells Plain,” said Minister Hanekom.

“All South Africans have a responsibility to defend our democracy, and to support the needy in honour of Madiba’s life-long commitment to these ideals. His legacy lives on in our commitment to build a just and fair society for all.”