On July 18th, 2023, an inter-departmental commemoration of International Mandela Day was held at Siphumelele Secondary School in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. The event was a collaboration between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), the Department of Correctional Services, and the Imbumba Foundation.
The aim of the event was to celebrate Mandela Day under the theme “It’s in your hands,” which called for action from everyone to make a difference in their communities. The event was led by Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr. Reginah Mhaule, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) Mr. Mcebisi Skhwatsha, MEC Busi Shiba for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, and Member of Parliament Mr. Desmond Mwela. Other key stakeholders and members of the media attended the commemoration.
Siphumelele Secondary School was chosen as the beneficiary of this inter-departmental collaboration. The school received several upgrades, including a new state-of-the-art greenhouse to replace its modest garden, refurbished desks, and a fresh coat of paint. Parolees and probationers, under the supervision of the Department of Correctional Services, provided labor for these improvements.
The school’s National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) also benefitted from a kitchen rebuild, ensuring that the students receive adequate nourishment to support their learning and growth.
The Mandela Day commemoration in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, exemplifies the power of collaboration between different sectors of society in pursuing positive change for communities in need. The event focused on both the educational and nutritional needs of the students, recognizing that a holistic approach to support is necessary for creating lasting, positive change.
The intervention at Siphumelele Secondary School serves as a reminder that small actions, when combined with the efforts of others, can have a significant impact. The improvements made at the school will provide lasting benefits for the students and the community as a whole, demonstrating how collaboration plays a vital role in achieving positive outcomes.
As Mandela Day initiatives continue to unfold across the globe, the inter-departmental commemoration in Hazyview highlights the power of communities coming together to create a brighter future. By pooling resources, skills, and expertise, societies can create sustainable change that ultimately benefits everyone involved.
The event at Siphumelele Secondary School underscores that everyone, regardless of their background or profession, can contribute to the improvement of their community. On Mandela Day, and every day, it is up to us to make a difference. By working together, we can create lasting change that honors the legacy of Nelson Mandela and contributes to a better world for all.
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