The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) today in its bid to honour the call made by the former President, Nelson Mandela for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices, took part in the internationally recognised Nelson Mandela Day.
The Nelson Mandela Day initiative, encouraging all citizens globally to give 67 minutes of their time to a worthy cause embraced by the UN General Assembly via a unanimous decision.
“It’s amazing, the response we’ve received from all role players, the dedication and commitment is relentless in heeding the call made by our former statesman,” said Thandi Rayi, CDC Corporate Social Investment (CSI) manager.
“We are even more pleased with the turnout from staff as well as invited stakeholders and sponsors who took part in today’s proceedings, “added Rayi.
Understanding the importance of team work in contributing towards combating socio economic plight, the CDC with other institutions such as Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform, Food Bank South Africa and Ever Grow worked hand in hand to assist the communities.
“It’s only fitting that we honour our late President, with things that were dear to his heart. This initiative speaks directly to one of the core values of CDC, of partnership,” said Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC head of marketing & communications.
The CDC handed over a range of items such as seedlings, fertilizers, food parcels, cleaning and planting of vegetable gardens.
The organization had activities throughout the whole of PE in areas such as:
- Bethelsdorp Old Age Home;
- Marantha Food Garden Project – Walmer Location;
- Bertram Community School Garden Project – Bloemendal; and
- KwaZakhele Agriculture Project
CDC satellite offices also took part in the wonderful initiative, with the East London office providing seedlings, implements and cleaning facilities. “We focused on a site situated in ward 14 NU 3 in Mdantsane. What makes us even more proud about our efforts is that we had to prepare the piece of land from scratch. We partnered with the local co-operatives, who were generous enough to supply us with their tractors to prepare the land for ploughing,” said Thobeka Gaxamba, CDC project manager: recruitment and placement.
“HIV/Aids support group that meets at a nearby clinic regularly to assist with the sick and elderly people will benefit from the products of this garden,” added Thobeka.
Cognisant of its growing national footprint and geographical existence in other provinces outside of the Eastern Cape, the CDC KZN office took part in the activities of Nelson Mandela Day.
CDC Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Project Managers joined MEC for Education in KZN, Ms NP Nkonyeni, in painting Nogcoyi Primary School in the Zululand district, whilst interns from the KZN office also took part, through sharing love, services and cleaning skills with the elderly at the KwaMashu Christian Care Society for the Old Aged.
“It’s overly warming to see the hard work that has been put in by everyone involved from the CDC KZN office, such initiatives have the potential to unify people to speak in one voice,” said Asanda Qangule, CDC KZN stakeholder manager.
Alan Straton
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