IMATU CELEBRATES MANDELA DAY
“Each year we are reminded of the 67 years of his life that the late Nelson Mandela gave fighting for the rights of humanity, equality, justice and democracy all South Africans enjoy today. We are pleased to be one of many organisations donating 67 minutes of our time or resources to make a difference in the lives of others. As a union representing local government employees throughout South Africa, we ensure that all of our Regional Offices take part in this special day and contribute towards positive change within their communities,” explained IMATU General Secretary, Johan Koen.
The IMATU National Office will again be donating stationery, teaching aids and furniture to foundation phase learners at the Kaalfontein Primary School in Midrand. “Kaalfontein Primary has had to accommodate an influx of new Grade R learners and this new furniture and teaching material will really assist both educators and the learners in their everyday activities at school,” said Koen.
Staff from our Gauteng Region are donating toiletries to the Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg.
Members from the Mangaung Branch and staff from the Free State Regional Office will be visiting the newly established Talitha Cumi Safe Haven for Children. The Hantam Branch in Calvinia, will join the Grade 3 learners of Hantam Primary School, to conduct a town clean-up. After the clean-up initiative has been completed, IMATU members will provide the 175 learners with a snack pack. Members from the Ventersdorp/Tlokwe Branch will be participating in the Nelson Mandela Charity Race, scheduled to take place on 22 July 2017 in the City of Matlosana. In addition, various other Branches from our North West Region have pledged to support local government initiatives that are collecting sanitary towels and books for school girls in need.
As part of their Mandela Day efforts this year, the Johannesburg Region made a donation towards disaster relief efforts in the Knysna, Plett and surrounding areas and the Emalahleni Branch is coordinating a painting project at a community school.
The Eastern Cape Region will be hosting a tea for the residents of the Silver Crown Old Age Home, as well as donating care packages and toiletries.
The Tshwane Regional Office will be donating paint, groceries and clothing to the Tshwaranang Children’s home in Pretoria.
In the spirit of Mandela Day, our Cape Town Metro Region is making a considerable donation to the Fikelela Children’s Home in Khayelitsha and the Western Cape Region is donating soup and sandwiches to the needy in their communities.
The KwaZulu Natal Region is sponsoring soccer and netball clothing, medals, trophies and meals for the Kokstad Municipality’s Mandela Day sports tournament. The tournament is hosted for underprivileged youth in the area.
“The annual birthday of our former President Nelson Mandela has come to represent a day in which we remember what he in his individual capacity has done for our country and what we in turn can do for each other. IMATU is a proud supporter of Mandela Day,” concluded Koen.