MEDIA STATEMENT: HONORING THE LEGACY OF NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA
Theme – “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
Mbombela, South Africa: Friday, 18 July 2025 – The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency recognises that lasting change started not in boardrooms, but in neighbourhoods and or communities; therefore, we pay tribute to the extraordinary intentional advocacy for equality, dignity, justice, solidarity, and community development. By working together, as citizens, we will build a peaceful, sustainable, and equitable nation. Nelson Mandela reminded us that: “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.” We must be part of the quest for a better future of opportunities and prosperity for all people on a healthy planet.
MEGA sees Mandela Day as an invitation to pause with intention and amplify being of service in practice, especially for those most vulnerable. The enduring invitation he left us with: “It is in your hands”, anchored and embodied in being of service to humanity. To this effect, MEGA has joined the DEDT and its Agencies, and the Nkomazi Local Municipality efforts with the Department of Economic Development & Tourism (DEDT) to refurbish the Vlakbuilt Old Age Centre, in Kamdladla – Nkomazi Local Municipality. The handover of the centre, along with groceries, will be done by Economic Development & Tourism, Hon. MEC Jesta Sidell, and the Executive Mayor of Nkomazi Local Municipality, Cllr. Phindile Magagula and DEDT HOD Ms. Immy Serakalala.
That old wise adage that It takes a village to raise a child is still relevant today, as it was yesterday. Ubuntu suggests that ‘I am because We are’. We should be intentional about being of service by inculcating these values in our daily lives and relationships, in how we challenge injustice in small ways, and in how we recalibrate care in our homes and workplaces. Only then, our human experience embodies the triumph of the human spirit.
Let us choose humanity over indifference. Serve who you can.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”, Nelson Mandela.
MEGA Thanks You.
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Issued by the MEGA Communications Unit
Enquiries: Mr Keabetswe Tshukudu, email: keabetswe.tshukudu@mega.gov.za
