Cllr Naeem Patel, in collaboration with the Laudium CPF, ANC Laudium Dawood Essop Branch, the Ward 61 Residents Association, the Ward Committee, and the Pakistan South Africa Association, continued the celebration of Mandela Day in Ward 61 on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
A team of approximately 40 volunteers, fueled by their dedication to serving the community, visited Itireleng early on Sunday morning, distributing essential items to residents from three different areas. The items, which included water, hot bread, tins of jam, vegetable packs, socks, and beanies, brought joy and warmth to the hearts of the recipients.
"I was so happy when I received the vegetable pack and socks," said Mrs. Thembi Mthembu, a resident of Itireleng. "We are happy knowing that there are people who care about us and are willing to go the extra mile to make a difference in our lives."
The team's next stop was White Blocks, where they distributed vegetable packs, grocery hampers, socks, beanies, and essential packs for females. The event was a resounding success, with 2,400 residents benefiting from the Mandela Day commemoration event on Sunday.
But the event wasn't just about distributing goods; it was also about recognizing the tireless efforts of the volunteer patrollers who work day and night to keep the streets safe. Seventy of these dedicated individuals received socks, beanies, and essential packs as a token of appreciation for their hard work.
"We're not just celebrating Mandela Day; we're celebrating the spirit of service and compassion that Nelson Mandela embodied," said Cllr Naeem Patel. "We're proud to be part of a community that comes together to make a difference in the lives of others."
The event was a testament to the power of collective efforts and the impact that can be made when individuals and organizations work together towards a common goal. As one resident aptly put it, "When we work together, we can achieve great things and make a real difference in our community."
The Mandela Day commemoration event in Ward 61 is a shining example of the community's commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in the lives of those around them. As we reflect on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, let us continue to strive for a better tomorrow, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Let us continue to rise above our challenges and work together to build a brighter future for all.
Shaheen Wahab, Laudium CPF Chairperson: told Laudium Today, "This Mandela Day, Laudium didn’t just honor 67 minutes—we embodied Madiba’s legacy through 67 years of collective action. Our CPF EXCO, Blue Patrollers, Youth Desk, and volunteers proved that compassion becomes transformative when paired with strategic execution.”
“We were proud to support Councillor Naeem Patel’s visionary outreach initiative. Witnessing our teams deliver over 2,000 pairs of socks, dignity packs, and hope door-to-door in Itireleng and White blocks reaffirmed a powerful truth: when committed public servants and communities unite, impact isn’t just measured—it’s felt in every home we reached." He added.
Cllr Patel and the Laudium CPF thanks every donor, volunteer, and partner who turned this vision into reality.
