Honouring Nelson Mandela through Service

Photo: Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae with the residents of Welkom.

Supplied

By: Staff Reporter

In a powerful tribute to the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, alongside MEC for Social Development Mathabo Leeto, spearheaded a Mandela Day service delivery outreach in Welkom, Matjhabeng on Tuesday 23.

This initiative is a crucial component of the broader Mandela Month Programme, which is dedicated to taking essential services directly to the people.

The integrated government services provision programme embodies the spirit of Mandela’s commitment to social justice and community development.

By bringing services closer to communities, this programme ensures that individuals can access critical support without the burden of long-distance travel.

Through strategic partnerships with various provincial and national departments, including Home Affairs and Health, as well as key social partners like Meals on Wheels and MTN, the provincial government successfully delivered a range of services. Residents had the opportunity to apply for identity documents, access healthcare services, and receive various forms of assistance that are vital for their well-being.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae also visited the Ikemeleng Community Project, a Community Nutrition Development Centre (CNDC) in Thabong.

During this visit, the Premier donated agricultural equipment and dignity packs to local households.

This gesture underscores the importance of supporting community-based initiatives that not only provide immediate aid but also foster long-term self-sufficiency.

MEC Mathabo Leeto emphasized the role of CNDCs in empowering communities. "CNDCs must be developmental and strive to reduce dependence. These centres should serve as incubators for economic contribution, helping individuals establish their own food gardens and other initiatives that can lift them out of poverty," said Leeto.

The Department of Social Development employs over 220 people in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, and a significant portion of the one million social grant beneficiaries in the province come from the 17 towns in Lejweleputswa.

These social grants are essential for many families, providing crucial support that helps them navigate economic challenges.

In honouring Nelson Mandela's legacy, this outreach programme exemplifies the ongoing commitment to social equity and community empowerment.

By prioritizing service delivery and supporting local development projects, we continue to honour Mandela’s vision of a more just and equitable society.