Africa-Press – South-Africa. Leaders of political parties cut lawn, handed out clothes and renovated buildings to commemorate former Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
Among the parties that commemorated Mandela Day are the DA, ActionSA and Rise Mzansi.
DA leader John Steenhuisen, who was accompanied by the party’s provincial leadership, visited the Ekhanana Old Age Home in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
They mowed the old age home’s lawn and donated rakes, a lawnmower, and groceries that would “ensure that the facility can sustain its upkeep and continue to serve its 40 elderly residents”, the DA said.
The party called on the government to increase subsidies for these facilities, which cater to the elderly.
“With the correct awareness programmes and education initiatives, we can ensure that the elderly is revered and cared for as a source of societal wisdom instead of an afterthought in the household,” said Steenhuisen.
Rise Mzansi used the day to highlight “the neglect of the youth and the increased unemployment rate which has plagued the country”.
Party leader Songezo Zibi said:
“Today is the day we must reflect on how free South Africans are, and tens of millions are still not free.
“They live in poor conditions because their democratic state is being destroyed by corruption and political arrogance.
“They have no jobs except when temporary jobs are being doled out of nowhere in transparent attempts to buy the favour of a neglected electorate ahead of elections. Mandela dearly loved children.”
Zibi commended NGOs and people who assisted the needy and said they embodied Mandela’s kindness.
In honour of the late president, Rise Mzansi added it began its commemoration on 15 July at George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, by renovating the hospital.
On Tuesday, it said its members in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape and North West had embarked on various initiatives.
Meanwhile, ActionSA was in Alexandra where it handed out soup, bread, and clothes at the Nelson Mandela Museum Centre.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
