SALGA Western Cape Distributes Dignity Packs to Primary School Children in Matzikama Municipality for Mandela Day Initiative

Posted: 31 July 2024

In a bid to commemorate Nelson Mandela's legacy, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in the Western Cape, in partnership with the West Coast District Municipality donated dignity packs to primary school children in the Matzikama municipality on Monday, 22 July 2024. This generous act is part of the annual Mandela Day initiative, which encourages people across the globe to devote 67 minutes of their time to community service, symbolising the 67 years Nelson Mandela fought for social justice.

SALGA Western Cape's initiative is aimed at supporting the well-being and dignity of young learners in the Matzikama area, many of whom face daily challenges due to socioeconomic disadvantages.

The dignity packs that were handed out contain essential items such as hygiene and sanitary products. These packs are intended to provide immediate relief and support to the children, ensuring they can confidently attend school and focus on their studies without the burden of lacking basic necessities.

The distribution event was held at Bitterfontein Primary School, and local government officials, school principals, community leaders and officials from the West Coast District municipality came together to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of the dignity packs to the children. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of unity and shared responsibility in tackling community issues.

"We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our young learners. Mandela Day is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to build a better society. By providing these dignity packs, we hope to inspire hope and confidence in the hearts of our children, showing them that they are valued and supported," said a representative from SALGA Western Cape, Mr. Joseph Hearne.

The donation has been met with overwhelming gratitude from the community. The principals of the school as well as the community leaders expressed their appreciation for the support, noting that these essential items will significantly ease the daily struggles faced by many families.

In his speech, a community member, Rev. Mendoor said, "Today, we are here to plant and invest in the growth of the learners. We are confident that the seeds planted here today will undoubtedly bear fruit in the future."

We all know the importance of Mandela Day, and we appreciate that you thought about the kids in our area for this generous initiative. For the children, receiving the dignity packs is not only a practical help but also a morale boost, reminding them that they are not alone and that their education is a priority, said Bitterfontein Primary School Principal Ms. Cloete.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Through initiatives like these, SALGA Western Cape is making strides towards a future where every child has access to the resources, they need to pursue their dreams and contribute to a better society.

After the handing-over ceremony, the learners enjoyed entertainment featuring mascots and a dance group that performed the community's cultural dances. The kids were delighted by the lively presentation, which added a festive touch to the occasion.