On Friday 18 July, Great Kei Local Municipality commemorated Nelson Mandela Day through an impactful outreach programme led by the Hon Mayor, Cllr NW Tekile. The event was aimed at upholding the spirit of Ubuntu by dedicating 67 minutes to serving the community.

As part of the programme, the Hon Mayor handed over a temporary shelter, groceries, and other essential items to a local family in need, symbolising the municipality’s commitment to improving the lives of its residents.

The programme was chaired by Hon Cllr Z Patuluko and Ward Councillor, Hon Z Tshali.

Hon Speaker Cllr N Mgema welcomed all attendees apreciating them for dedicating their time to uplift and support those in need, showing that indeed, as a community, they care for one another. She also expressed gratitude to the Hon Mayor, councillors, departments, and stakeholders for uniting to improve the lives of the community.

Community members benefited from services on wheels, with departments providing accessible services on the day including:

• Department of Home Affairs
• Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

In his address, Hon Mayor Cllr NW Tekile emphasised the significance of serving others, stating:”Siyabulela kakhulu kubantu abaxhasileyo ngoba umntu ngumntu ngabantu.”He urged everyone not to let the services pass by without making use of what they need.

Gifts and services were handed over to the family as part of the 67 minutes campaign by:

• Great Kei Municipality
• Department of Human Settlements
• Department of Social Development
• Department of Home Affairs
• Department of Health
• Great Kei Business Forum
• Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC)

The beneficiary family expressed their heartfelt gratitude.

Hon Cllr M Twani extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Mandela Day outreach a success. He appreciatedf the dedication of Hon Mayor Cllr NW Tekile, fellow councillors, departments, stakeholders, and all community members who contributed towards restoring dignity and hope to the people.

The Hon Mayor proceeded to officially hand over the temporary shelter to the family.