Cllr Naeem Patel and ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula marked their birthdays on April 1 in Laudium with a memorable celebration at the Laudium Community Centre.
The event, attended by over 1500 people including Joburg Mayor Dada Morema, Members of the recently elected Provincial task team, the Deputy Mayor of Tshwane Eugene Modise, various MMCs of Tshwane, the leadership of the ANC Youth League and Women's league , ANC supporters from various areas in Tshwane, and local ward 61 community leaders, was characterized by kindness and generosity. The highlights of the celebration included:
- Vegetable Parcel Distribution: Naeem Patel, Fikile Mbalula, and the ANC distributed vegetable parcels to 85 youth patrollers from Itireleng and another 110 vegetable packs were distributed to the community.
- Medical Donations: 60 Glucose machines were donated to Gauteng EMS.
- School Support: Himalaya Secondary School received 62 pairs of school shoes.
- Support for Special Needs: Little Peoples Learning Academy received a hospital bed, medical cabinet, and equipment.
- Blanket Distribution: 130 blankets were distributed to The Gardens Social Services (50), residents of White Blocks (30), residents of Itireleng (20) and 20 to elderly over 80 that attended the birthday celebrations.
- Dignity Packs: 300 dignity packs were given to communities from all over Tshwane.
- 1000 fruit packs and 600 bottles of water were also distributed - a community first responder received medical equipment to assist the community.
This community-focused event showcased the commitment of Cllr Naeem Patel and Fikile Mbalula to giving back to the community. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support shown on my special day. Giving back to our community is truly the best gift." Patel told Laudium Today.
The Secretary General reiterated the commitment of the ANC to the Palestine peoples freedom struggle and made it clear that the ANC will not abandon its ICJ case no matter what. Fikile Mbalula thanked the Indian Community of ward 61 for voting ANC since 1994 and even during the May 2024 where the ANC dropped support in traditional areas in ward 61 the ANC support grew by almost 20%. He also said the ANC will support the community of ward 61 like the community supported the ANC.
