Hundreds of people gathered at Sinethemba Community Organisation in Harare, Khayelitsha, on Friday 17 July, to celebrate Mandela Day’s 67 minutes.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG): The Jesus Nation Church, Harare police and ForAfrica.
Sinethemba founder and director, Nolitha Ndalasi, described the event as a special occasion. She said the organisation was not only celebrating the 67 minutes but also giving back to the community.
Empowering the community through service
“Today, we are not only celebrating the 67 minutes of Mandela Day but we are also giving the community members clothes, blankets, clean the streets, plant in the garden and serve food to the community,” she said.
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Honouring Mandela’s legacy in Khayelitsha
Ndalasi described former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as an international icon and a man of peace.
“He was the father of the nation. He loved children. He was arrested for fighting for equality. He loved everyone regardless of skin colour. This is what Sinethemba stands for: a home for everyone,” she said.
Ndalasi added that the organisation was nothing without the community.
Harare police raise awareness on gender-based violence
Speaking on behalf of the Harare police, Capt Shirley Nkohla described the event as meaningful. She said the police were there to raise awareness among elderly people about domestic and gender-based violence.
“We are here to educate elders about domestic and gender-based violence. We want to encourage them to report any wrongdoing to the police station,” she said. She added that the police had donated 20 blankets to the centre.
Community members express gratitude
Community member Weziwe Mlindazwe (67) said she was proud of what Sinethemba had done for the community. She said the centre has always supported residents in the area.
“I wish that God would give her more strength to continue doing what she does best. Ndalasi treats us all equally. She has Ubuntu,” Mlindazwe said.
She expressed her gratitude to Sinethemba for giving her a blanket.
