​As part of Mandela Day, staff of the Desmond Tutu Child and Youth Care Center (CYCC) rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand by serving hot meals and clothes to residents of Multitoets Informal Settlement in Pretoria.
According to the Head of the Institution, Mpumi Lukhele, residents of the informal settlement suffered a blow when a fire engulfed their area almost two years ago, and the inhabitants, who are mostly from Soshanguve and surrounding areas, lost their belongings, including Identity Documents and Birth Certificates.

She said, “As a result, we felt obliged as staff members of Desmond Tutu CYCC to play our part in the spirit of Mandela Day themed, ‘It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.’”

One of the residents, Mapule Maphosa (27), expressed delight at the gesture and said, “We are grateful today that the government, through the Department of Social Development, has come to our aid. I lost my documents in the fire, and I was unable to visit Home Affairs due to a lack of transport money to Pretoria Central.”

Community leader Oupa Matsimela said, “Since 2002, this is the first time that such a program has been rendered here, and residents have had to choose either to buy food or use the money to visit Home Affairs.”

The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognize their individual power to change the world for the better. It also seeks to expand the reach of Nelson Mandela’s values, which include fighting injustices, helping people in need, and advancing reconciliation. The government encourages citizens to donate their time to make a difference in their community.