Monday the 18th July 2011 once again marked the birthday of an icon and the father of our nation, Nelson ‘Tata Madiba’ Mandela. As a global call for people to help change the world for the better, the day has been marked as Nelson Mandela Day. Madiba has asked the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time on this day to support a chosen charity or serve your local community. The day is dedicated to his life’s work and to ensure that his legacy continues forever.

It is upon this background that the Department of Economic Development Environment, Conservation and Tourism and the Mahikeng Local Municipality embarked on a project to restore a school in the informal settlement of Kabe. The Modiko Primary School is situated approximately 50 kilometres from Mahikeng and it was established that they were in desperate need of help. Government as well as the private sector were extremely enthusiastic about getting involved in the project.

Many agencies of the department also assisted in this initiative, including the NWDC. As part of our need to assist communities, the NWDC donated a signboard for the school, beanies of the schoolchildren and assisted in painting and tilling. Upon further inspection, it was realised that the school tuck-shop was not in a good state. This prompted the Acting CEO to take an even greater step forward and announced that the NWDC would break down the old tuck-shop and construct a completely new one.

Apart from this many other institutions donated among other things, new ablution facilities, vegetable gardens, solar panels, and over R30 000.00 toward educational material. It was a spectacular day, which saw many people take time to not only sponsor, but donate their time and effort to the cause. The MEC, Ms Tebogo Modise and the ANC Provincial Secratary Kabelo Mataboge, were also among those in attendance. It was extremely encouraging to see everyone get their hands dirty and be so willing to assist in this extraordinary day.

We at the NWDC wish Tata Madiba a very happy birthday, and may God bless you abundantly for all that you have done for the people of South Africa.