The Speaker of Council, Councillor (Cllr) Dr Murunwa Makwarela visited the Nomzamo Elderly Project in Mamelodi on Mandela Day.
During the visit, the Speaker said that the Nomzamo Elderly project, is a fitting example for the youth within their community, by showing them that farming is one of the best ways to fight poverty and ensure food security within one’s community and country.
Dr Makwarela said the project was commenced with the aim of relieving poverty within the community to provide healthy vegetables for their families. Although the objective was to provide for their families, the project is now able to provide fresh, free produce to the community in the area, as well as to assist those who come to request donations. The project plays a crucial role to all its beneficiaries in that most have not had to buy vegetables during the duration of the project.
“The project consists of 20 elderly community members, mostly being women ranging from the age of 72 upwards with only two being in their late forties.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Environment and Agriculture Management Department in the City of Tshwane, for your donations and contribution to this project. This is what the true meaning on inter-governmental relationships should look like. Two spheres of government, coming together to serve our people the best way possible,” said the Speaker of Council.
Spokesperson, Ms Vanessa de Sousa, said Nelson Mandela day provides the opportunity to shine a light on the legacy of a man who changed the lives of many, both in South Africa and the world, Nelson Mandela, a great statesman, a powerful advocate for equality and most importantly the founding father of peace and democracy in South Africa.
Cllr Cindy Billson, joined the female colleagues from the Office of the Speaker, at the Peas in a Pod Home, a specialized house of safety, for abused girls from the ages 2 – 18. The house started 10 years ago and its focus is restorative work with girls who have been abused and have missed out on emotional support and education, because of the abuse they have suffered.
“All contributions made to Peas in a Pod were donated by the staff in the office, who so generously opened their hearts and wallets.
“I hope that the spirit of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela will continue to live in all of us and may we emulate the values espoused by South Africa’s foremost freedom fighter and nation builder,” said the Speaker of Council, Cllr Dr. Makwarela.
