Watersmeet, Alfred Duma Municipality: Christmas came early this year for senior citizens of the Alfred Duma local municipality when they received gifts, which include hygiene packs with soap, sanitisers and masks, from the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka.
The handover which which took place today in Ward 16, Watersmeet (Phayikeni), marked an important point in the provincial government’s efforts to protect the elderly as the country and province face the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The hygiene packs distributed by Hlomuka ensure that the elderly have products to use to protect themselves and their loved ones against the spread of the virus.
The outreach is part of efforts by MEC Hlomuka to ensure that rural communities have adequate Personal Protective Equipment and are educated about the regulations that have been introduced by government to protect human life. Part of the visit saw Hlomuka visiting the Siyathokoza Early Childhood Development Centre where he distributed hygiene packs and gifts to children.
During this visit, the MEC was accompanied by uThukela District Mayor Cllr Siphiwe Mazibuko, his Deputy Cllr Nombali Mchunu, the Alfred Duma LM Mayor Cllr Vincent Madlala, his Deputy Cllr Thuli Hadebe and Ward 16 Councillor, Thulani Hlomuka.
Unlike in previous years, seniors arrived in groups to receive their festive cheers from the MEC as he acknowledged the value of caring for the elderly and the importance of showing gratitude to them since they play a fundamental role in helping the communities expand with their knowledge and wisdom.
“Festive season is the season of love so we thought it is proper to come and spend time with the elderly from various wards in this municipality to thank and appreciate them for the love and wisdom they continue to share with our communities and towards development. The gifts we have given them today, which include hygiene packs and groceries, are our way of saying to them that we want them to stay safe and to prosper even during this difficult time,” said Hlomuka.
During the visit Hlomuka took a moment to visit and celebrate the life of one of the oldest citizens in the district, Gogo Paulina Mbonani of Gcabhane village who recently turned 92.