General News

Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality joined the Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury, DARDLEA, SAPS, Bakgatla Ba Maloka Traditional Authority, community members, volunteers and other stakeholders to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy through the meaningful acts.

In commemorating the 2026 Nelson Mandela International Day, the team led by the MEC of Finance, Mr B Majuba visited the Mokopane Early Childhood Development Centre in Phake Rankaila (Ward 30) to improve the lives of the children while promoting community development by painting and cleaning the centre, planting vegetable seeds, minor renovations, gardening services and to hand over items.

The acting Executive Mayor of the session, MMC for Admin and Corporate Services, Cllr MS Legong in her welcoming remarks, emphasised the importance of celebrating Mandela Day as a reminder of the country’s history and the values of compassion, unity and selfless service championed by Nelson Mandela. 

The Centre Manager, Ms N Magwai, welcomed the support received for the pre-school and thanked all partners for investing in the well being of the children.

Addressing the gathering, the MEC Majuba, said the purpose of the day was to honour Nelson Mandela through meaningful community service. He encouraged all stakeholders to work together to improve the condition of the pre-school, creating a healthy, safe and welcoming environment where children can learn and develop. The MEC also highlighted the importance of strengthening the management of the facility to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the children and thanked the local community and the Bakgatla Ba Maloka Traditional Authority for their support and partnership.

The donations handed over to the centre included;computers, 5250 litre JoJo water tank, mattresses, heaters, carpets, spades, seeds, a knapsack sprayer, paints, spades and rakes,waterpipe , chairs, a seesaw, toys, a trampoline, lockers and a wheelbarrow and other goods. These donations will contribute towards creating a safe, healthy and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and thrive.

Mr Prince Maloka, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders 

 for their contributions in making the Mandela Day celebration a success and encouraged everyone to continue embracing the values of compassion, service and active citizenship beyond Mandela Day.

On another school uniform drive through SASSA’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) programme in collaboration with Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality,  a total number of 133 full school uniforms were distributed to vulnerable primary school learners.In efforts to support education and promote dignity in the classroom, 31 learners from Mabhoko Primary, 31 learners from Magodongo Primary, 36 learners from Ndayi Primary and 16 learners from Nkosabo Primary Schools benefited from the initiative.

The program was attended by School Governing Body (SGB) members, principals, teachers and parents who gathered to celebrate the positive impact of the programme.

Executive Mayor Cllr NS Mtsweni commended the initiative highlighting that the participating schools were fortunate to benefit from the programme and advised parents to take good care of their children and the school uniforms provided, so that they would serve the learners well throughout the school year.

The programme continues tomorrow (30 July 2026) at Sebonelo Primary School.