HON. MATHABO LEETO CELEBRATES MANDELA DAY

• Interfaith Gathering:Leeto joined the Methodist Church in Welkom, emphasizing unity and church involvement in social issues like GBV and Femicide.
• Thabong Orphanage Home:Sharing stories and encouragement, Leeto brought smiles to the children, who gifted her with drawings.
• Ngwetsi ya Maqheku Old Age Home:Distributing blankets and food, Leeto highlighted the importance of caring for our seniors.

On July 18th, Nelson Mandela International Day, the MEC for Social Development embarked on a meaningful journey to honour the iconic leader’s enduring legacy. Her day was filled with acts of kindness, compassion, and dedication to serving others.

The MEC’s first stop was at The Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Welkom, where she joined the congregation in a joyous celebration of Madiba’s life and principles. This interfaith gathering served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and collective action in building a better world.

Hon. Leeto, during her contribution to the congregation, challenged the church on how their building could be used to help address social ills and combat GBV and Femicide in the community. “Our churches should play a role in healing inner souls through spiritual healing,” she said, “as we are often conditioned to only see the outside of a person, while deep down they may be suffering.”

In the same vein, Hon. Mathabo Leeto issued a clarion call to the churches, urging both members and the wider community to become social activists. She encouraged them to join hands with the Department of Social Development in its efforts to deal with GBV & Femicide, care for the elderly and people with disabilities, and advocate for the reduction of substance abuse.

Next, she visited the Thabong Orphanage Home, where she spent time with the children, listening to their stories, and sharing words of encouragement. Her presence brought smiles and laughter to the young residents, who were thrilled to receive attention from the MEC. The young residents gifted Hon. Leeto with crafts and drawings, including a picture of the MEC herself.

The MEC’s final destination was the Old Age Home called Ngwetsi ya Maqheku, where she showed her appreciation for the elderly by distributing blankets, food, and warm greetings. This gesture of kindness was especially significant, as it highlighted the importance of caring for our senior citizens and recognizing their valuable contributions to society.

This outreach initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Central University of Technology (CUT), demonstrating the impact that can be achieved when organizations collaborate towards a common goal. By working together, they were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Through her selfless actions on Nelson Mandela Day, the MEC for Social Development exemplified the very spirit of Ubuntu that Madiba embodied – ‘I am because we are.’ Her commitment to serving others serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can collectively create a significant positive change in our communities.