Mandela Day Celebrated with Heartfelt Community Service in Thaba Chweu

By: De-Shark

This year’s Mandela Day was marked by an outpouring of generosity and community spirit, as the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Ms Makhosazane Masilela, paid a heartfelt visit to the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality on the 20^th of July 2026. Locals affectionately referred to her as “our child has returned,” a testament to her deep roots and enduring ties with the community.

The day began at the Zanele Old Age Centre in Matibidi, where Ms Masilela, was joined by Councillor CM Mohlala and members of the traditional council to hand over a much-needed Jojo water tank. Councillor Mohlala captured the mood, saying, “The spirit of Mandela is the spirit that keeps on giving.” R Mashile from the traditional council also warmly welcomed everyone.

Centre Manager Evelyn Sedibe expressed her immense gratitude: “Thank you for coming back while I’m still alive. Thank you for coming back as promised. Thank you very much, Legislature.” She added that the visit brought her peace and fulfilment.

Ms Masilela, addressing the gathered elders, reminded all of the true meaning of Mandela Day, celebrated globally on July 18. “A few months back, we promised that we would come back. Some say that we promise and never come, but that’s not the case with us. We keep our promise. As promised, we brought a Jojo tank, a fence, a gate and food because we know that you have to eat,” she said. “Mandela taught us to serve people. In Mpumalanga, we believe in what Mandela believed in: we work for the people.”

The Legislature’s visit included the handover of groceries, the installation of the Jojo tank and security features (fence and a gate) and a celebratory cake for all to share. The day also saw the official opening of a new storage room at the Enjabulweni Old Age Centre in Mashishing, where Ms Masilela was welcomed warmly as “the child that has returned.”

She reassured the elders that despite her deployment to Bushbuckridge, her commitment to them remained unwavering. “If you don’t see me, it’s not because I have forgotten you. Please continue to work with me and share your requests.”

The celebrations were filled with laughter, shared meals and the planting of seedlings in the centre’s garden, with the Department providing support for food security. Elder Leah Mnisi summed up the community’s feelings: “I would like to say to our daughter Khosi, we as bogogo are very thankful to you and your team for visiting us. Thank you for remembering us as elders. We pray that everything you do becomes a success.”

More than just a day of giving, Mandela Day in Thaba Chweu highlighted the importance of returning home, keeping promises and serving the most vulnerable. Ms Masilela spent the afternoon with the elderly, making it clear that her heart remains with the elders of her community.