City of uMhlathuze Celebrates Mandela Day

Today, in honour of Mandela Day, the Zululand Observer, DICE and the Rotary Club celebrated their long-standing community initiative, Hangout with Madiba, to bring hope and support to the most vulnerable members of society. The municipality has supported the initiative by providing land for hosting the program.

The collaborative effort saw the donation of 16 wheelchairs, clothing, blankets, and food parcels to those in need reinforcing the spirit of giving and service that defines this day.

The heartfelt outreach program, now in its 12th year, was made even more special by the presence of Deputy Mayor, Councilor Christo Botha, who attended the event and actively supported the drive.

“Today is a special day, a reminder to show compassion to those who need it most,” said Cllr Botha. “We must strive to live up to the values of Madiba every single day. His legacy is not about 67 minutes once a year, but about a life of daily service and kindness.”

The City of uMhlathuze reaffirmed its commitment to uplifting communities through public-private partnerships that make a real difference.

The 16 wheelchairs donated this year were made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Richards Bay. Community partner Dice provided warm blankets and hand-knitted beanies a much-needed gesture during the winter season.

Volunteers, community members, and partners gathered in unity, demonstrating that when hands and hearts come together, lasting change is possible.

This year's event aligned with the national Mandela Day theme, “It is still in our hands,” reminding all South Africans that the power to change the world just as Madiba did lies in our everyday actions.

As the sun set over the City of uMhlathuze community , the message rang clear: Mandela's legacy lives on, not only in words, but in compassion, community, and continued commitment to social upliftment.