18 July 2014
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa rolled up his sleeves on Friday to paint one of the rooms of the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in North West province.
Accompanied by Cooperative Governance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane and North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, Ramaphosa painted a section at the hospital before handing over a machine that effectively treats patients with cataracts.
The machine was donated by the private sector.
Ramaphosa took his time to speak to patients and visiting relatives who had come to see doctors at the hospital.
Armed with a black refuse bags, Ramaphosa and his delegation then led a clean-up campaign at two local taxi ranks in the Mahikeng CBD. The deputy president and ministers chatted to locals and shop owners as locals sang and danced in delight, bringing the city centre to a stop.
The visit to the area was part of Mandela Day, the first to be commemorated since the Nelson Mandela passed away in December. On 18 July, Madiba would have turned 96.
The United Nations officially declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, recognising Mandela’s “values and his dedication to the service of humanity” and acknowledging his contribution “to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world”.
Celebrated across the globe in honour of the late statesman’s birthday on 18 July, the day gives everyone the opportunity to emulate Mandela’s role as public servant though volunteering and community service.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
