Nearly 200 Alexandria residents packed the Ethiopian Episcopal Church on Monday 20 July for a Mandela Day celebration organised by two enterprising members of the SAPS and business communities of that area.
Nearly 200 Alexandria residents packed the Ethiopian Episcopal Church on Monday 20 July for a Mandela Day celebration organised by two enterprising members of the SAPS and business communities of that area.
According to police spokesperson Luvuyo Mjekula, those hardest hit by poverty walked away with food parcels . Mjekula said officials from various schools and churches attended the event.
"Two families even received new beds. "Members of Alexandria police station, constable Vuyani Ndzaba and Constable Andiswa Mogorosi decided to do something about the abject poverty they witnessed when conducting day-to-day policing in their area," he explained.
“Madiba was respected and recognised by the whole world, not because of money but because of decisions he took.
We went there to try and set an example that everyone must look after their neighbour.
“As SAPS we have nothing, but the little that we have has to be given away here today,” said Mjekula.
He said the Ndzaba and Mogorosi had approached local businesspeople for assistance and that their hard work paid off as various businesses and community organisations bought into the idea and contributed.
He reported that shortly after receiving her food parcel, residentTopsy Rasmeni, 58, could not hide her joy and that she was so relieved because she didn't have much food left in her house.
The organisers also announced that school uniform, including socks and shoes, would be given to 25 families with children in five different farm schools in the area.
Mjekula said principal of local Ebhongweni Primary School, Makhaya Matshisi, spoke to the gathering about the importance of education and the role parents needed to play in the lives of their children.
He said the principal made it clear that without education there would be no let up in poverty and crime.
Mjekula added that the event organisers hoped next year’s event would be even better.
