19 JULY 2010
The purpose of Mandela Day was well honoured in Bhobhoyi as a number of parents and guardians
whose children go to Sdumile Primary School and the pupils themselves embarked on a cleanup campaign
with an objective of giving back to the community, honouring 67 minutes of Mandela Day on Sunday.
The successful cleanup campaign was joined by the Ugu District Municipality and Hibiscus Coast's Leadership, Councillors and officials from the district and a few from the local municipalities, leaving the Jesus location almost spotless.
This cleanup campaign also formed part of the municipality's recycling pilot exercise wherein bottles, tins and papers were separated for recycling purposes. Ugu intends to explore possibilities of introducing the recycling concept to local municipalities within the District for the benefit of impoverished schools, unemployed youth and women.
The Mayor of Ugu, Cllr Sithembiso Cele said it is of great significance that this day is honoured as the country's hero Nelson Mandela was a human sacrifice that freed the minds of many from the hands of the oppressors. "This day now encourages us to work in unity for an even better South Africa that is non discriminatory to any citizen regardless of colour and gender," said Mayor Cele.
He continued to say Sdumile Primary School is within the municipality's programmes of developing school that have deteriorated physically and resource wise. "Many plans are in place to assist the school. Although it will not be overnight but something will be done to assist this school to get back into shape," the Mayor said.
Another school that is on the municipality's development plans in the Bhobhoyi area is Siphakamile Primary School. Sdumile primary School's chairperson of the School Governing Body, Mr Cele said they are extremely grateful that Sdumile Primary was chosen as the destination for Mandela Day. The cleanup campaign served as a motivation for us and surrounding neighbours that it is vital that our school and homes are kept clean. As community leaders, we will make sure that the culture of cleanliness is instilled within this community," said Mr Cele.
To add a cherry on top of a successful event, the parents and guardians who partook in the project and whose children are pupils of Sdumile Primary School will enjoy the privilege of having their children's school fees for the year paid for, courtesy of Ugu District Municipality and Hibiscus Coast Municipality.
UGU DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
For more information and media queries contact:
Lindani Fortune Mzotho
Mobile: 079 892 5666
Email:lindani.mzotho@ugu.org.za