DESMOND TUTU CYCC STAFF MARK MANDELA DAY WITH ACTS OF KINDNESS

By Sipho Ncube.

• Pioneering Effort: This marks the first initiative of its nature in over two decades, representing a major milestone for the Multitoets community.
• Restoring Dignity: The effort extended past immediate relief, targeting systemic issues such as missing identity documents—an obstacle that prevents affected individuals from securing essential government services.
• Community Upliftment: The programme served as a powerful example of Mandela Day in action, advancing the ideals of equity and compassion while linking government efforts to community needs.

According to the Head of the Institution, Mpumi Lukhele, the community was devastated nearly two years ago when a fire swept through the settlement, leaving residents—many originally from Soshanguve and surrounding areas—without their belongings, including critical documents such as Identity Documents and Birth Certificates.
“As a result, we felt compelled as staff of the Desmond Tutu CYCC to contribute in the spirit of Mandela Day under the theme, ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality,’” said Lukhele.
One of the residents, Mapule Maphosa (27), expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“We are grateful today that the government, through the Department of Social Development, has come to our aid. I lost my documents in the fire and could not travel to Home Affairs because I had no transport money to Pretoria Central.”
Community leader Oupa Matsimela noted the significance of the initiative, stating:
“Since 2002, this is the first time that such a programme has been brought here. For years, residents had to choose between buying food or saving money to visit Home Affairs.”
Mandela Day remains a call to action for all citizens to recognise their power to effect change by dedicating time and resources to uplift others. It reflects Nelson Mandela’s values of justice, compassion, and reconciliation, inspiring communities to work collectively towards a better society.