Guided by the scripture Proverbs 14:31 which goes as “Being kind to the needy honours God, while ignoring them knows contempt for their Maker”, the 2026 Nelson Mandela International Day got off to biblical sense with community of Kagiso receiving clothes from church members.
The Hills View-based St Bartholomew Anglican Church in Kagiso recently hosted the Nelson Mandela Day to keep up with the late State President Nelson Mandela’s legacy of ‘supporting the poor, vulnerable and marginalised’.
Led by Lay Minister Robert Malatsi together church’s stakeholders and as per Proverbs 14:31 give back to the community to celebrate the legacy of Tata Mandela. Malatsi kicked off the day by reading from the book of Proverbs 14:31 and gave guidance to community of Kagiso.
“It is well upon us as sons and daughters of God to make sure that we look after the needy and assist those who want help no matter the circumstances. It is us who are supposed to give prayers to our communities and make sure that the word of God is well received,” Malatsi indicated.
“We want to pray for the sick, the unemployed more so, our youth and the high levels of crime in our area. We hope that this day will go down well for the beneficiaries of our goodies”, Malatsi concluded his Sermon.
More than 80 needy community members headed the call and managed to grab what was available for them, with items ranging from, dresses, shirts, pairs of trousers, garden and personal protective clothes. With the young ones going for swim suits and beanies. The items were donated by church members.
The fun-filled day saw the local SAPS team led by Seargent Papi Mokgejane coming in to pay homage to the good services provided by the church. The community home based care centres provided testing services on chronic illnesses such as hypertension (High Blood), diabetes/sugar levels, HIV/AIDS.
The 2026 Nelson Mandela International Day celebrated under theme ‘It is in your hands to combat poverty and inequality’, the Mother’s Union member Flora Mokhasi, said giving back to the community was something special the church has been longing to do, and thanked the community who benefited from the day’s programme.
Cynthia Mawela, who Coordinates the church’s Social Responsibility programmes, was over the moon and added her voice. She said: “I’m happy for our church to have extended its hand to assist the needy and to make sure that we all live a healthy lifestyle.”
Community member Motlatsi Khumalo couldn’t hide her joy and mentioned, “I am happy that we were able to grab whatever one saw important and needed so much. I hope the church will continue to facilitate such programmes throughout the year for those who were unable to come through”.
The Godly blessed day was concluded with the beneficiaries receiving a sumptuous meal all to the efforts of the congregants and stakeholder members.
Sipho None-ka-Mpungose
Soweto Sunrise News
