EMALAHLENI – Nkangala District Municipality celebrated Mandela Day at Ezinambeni Extension 10 on 18 July 2026, bringing together government, local businesses and community members for a day dedicated to restoring dignity, promoting Ubuntu and giving hope to vulnerable residents.
The celebration, held in the spirit of Nelson Mandela's birthday, honoured Madiba's legacy through practical acts of kindness rather than words alone. Elderly residents were among those celebrated on the day, receiving warm blankets and birthday cake as part of the municipality's commitment to caring for senior citizens while commemorating the life and legacy of the late statesman.
The highlight of the programme was the official handover of a fully renovated home to the Khoza family. The house, which had previously been in poor condition with a leaking roof, was completely restored through a partnership between Nkangala District Municipality and local businesses. The family also received brand-new furniture, groceries and other household essentials, restoring not only their home but also their dignity.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Busisiwe Molapo said the renovation had brought hope and relief after years of enduring difficult living conditions.
"We used to suffer a lot whenever it rained because the roof leaked badly. It was very difficult. We had to place pots and buckets all over the house to catch the water so that our furniture and other belongings would not get wet. I would like to thank Nkangala District Municipality for bringing hope back to our family. We can now sleep peacefully without living in fear every time it rains."
Addressing residents, Nkangala District Executive Mayor Thomas Ngwenya said Mandela's legacy calls on every South African to become an active participant in building stronger and more caring communities.
"Stand up. Take action," the mayor urged. "When things are going wrong in the community while you are there, then we are not living according to the principles that Nelson Mandela stood for."
Ngwenya said communities should never allow children, orphans or vulnerable families to suffer while neighbours, businesses and leaders have the ability to help.
"We are called to transform people's lives for the better. Mandela taught us that no child should suffer while a community is present, and no family should be left behind when we have the means to make a difference."
He further called on residents to rebuild society through positive values, saying South Africa's future depends on restoring respect, responsibility and compassion within communities.
The mayor also spoke out against gender-based violence and femicide, urging communities to protect women and children while continuing the fight against HIV and AIDS through education and responsible behaviour.
Throughout his address, Ngwenya repeatedly emphasised the importance of Ubuntu, encouraging residents to care for one another beyond Mandela Day.
"We are here today to build Ubuntu," he said. "Love your neighbour as you love yourself. If you have something, share it. If someone is struggling, extend a helping hand. That is how we build a caring community."
Using the Khoza family's renovated home as an example, Ngwenya encouraged businesses and community leaders to work together whenever vulnerable families need assistance.
"If there is a house that is leaking, let us not wait. Let us approach businesses and fix it together. That is how we build sustainable communities," he said.
The mayor also encouraged residents to support local entrepreneurs, revive community savings initiatives such as stokvels and create opportunities for young people to establish businesses that can strengthen local economies and reduce unemployment.
Speaking on civic responsibility, Ngwenya urged South Africans to participate in democratic processes, describing active citizenship as an important part of nation-building and community development. He also encouraged residents to support one another by uplifting local businesses and creating opportunities that would keep wealth circulating within their own communities.
The Mandela Day programme demonstrated how partnerships between government, business and communities can make a tangible difference in people's lives. Beyond the celebrations, the renovated home, donations to the Khoza family, blankets presented to elderly residents and the sharing of birthday cake reflected the true spirit of Mandela Day – one of compassion, service and humanity.
As residents gathered to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the day's message was clear: the greatest tribute to Madiba is not found in speeches, but in acts of kindness that restore dignity, strengthen communities and leave no one behind.
