In the photo above, Mayor Jackie Von Brandis and Cllr Charlotte Clarke showing off their painting skills at Akkertjie ECD as part of the Nelson Mandela Day activities
In a tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the Executive Mayor of George, Jackie Von Brandis, along councillors and officials, actively participated in various community service activities on 18 July 2024.
Mayor Jackie Von Brandis reflected on Mandela’s legacy, stating, “When I think about Nelson Mandela, besides his major sacrifices to usher our country to freedom, I also think about his commitment to children and education.” The mayor visited Akkertjie ECD, one of the oldest Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in the George Municipal area. At this facility, she helped sand and paint furniture for the learners. She was joined by Portfolio Councillor for Social Development, Melvin Roelfse, who was embraced by his former teacher and now head of the ECD, Ingrid Tyler, as well as Cllr Charlotte Clarke, Portfolio Councillor for Planning and Development, Marlene Barnardt, and Cllr Marelna Gultig.
In addition to their visit to the ECD, the Mayor and more councillors visited the Garden Route SPCA in George. They delivered goods donated by councillors from George Municipality. “Thank you so much to the SPCA for the amazing work they do in our areas,” said Mayor Von Brandis. She encouraged residents to donate to this worthy cause. The mayor was accompanied by Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services, Browen Johnson, Portfolio Councillor for Human Resources, Nosicelo Mbete, Ald Iona Kritzinger and Cllr Marlena Gultig.
Library staff in Pacaltsdorp and Uniondale also contributed to their communities on Mandela Day. Petrus Lindoor from the George Municipality Finance Directorate donated dog and cat food to the SPCA on behalf of the Directorate.
The George Municipality and SANParks collaborated on Nelson Mandela Day to help Michael Hendricks, a visually impaired resident, and his family. The family which includes his wife Lydia, their four daughters, and Kaylene Muller, a 23-year-old single mother with a special needs child relies on social grants. They received a home makeover that included painting, a new door, a fixed window, and installed drainpipes. Kaylene and her child also received a mattress, bedding, and warm clothes. Mr Hendricks, expressing his gratitude, humorously remarked, “Oh look how beautiful my house looks now, tonight I can lock my door without any worries.”
On July 19, 2024, 20 soup kitchen volunteers were invited to the Francois Ferreira Chef Academy for a knife and kitchen skills training session conducted by Chef Cheri. Each of the 20 ladies had their own student chef to help them prepare stir-fry dishes, as demonstrated by Chef Cheri. Mayor Von Brandis joined in on the fun and skills training.
Nelson Mandela Day, observed on July 18th, serves as a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them. The George Municipality officials and councillors exemplified this spirit through their dedication and service.
Please follow the link for the video: New link to George Municipality Celebrates Mandela Day, 18 July 2024
https://youtu.be/pZoHrT-1jPw
Photos:
Mandy Rose Naidoo, newly appointed library assistant at Pacaltsdorp Library held a question and answer session about Nelson Mandela at Pacaltsdorp Primary for Mandela Day. She donated fruit to the learners.
Petrus Lindoor from Finance, George Municipality, delivered dog and cat food to the SPCA on behalf of the Directorate. With him is Volenti Booysen, receptionist at the SPCA.
The George Municipality and SANParks collaborated on Nelson Mandela Day to give Michael Hendricks, a visually impaired resident, and his family a home makeover.
The George Municipality and SANParks collaborated on Nelson Mandela Day to give Michael Hendricks, a visually impaired resident, and his family a home makeover. From left to right in the photograph are Ejustley Boshoff, Kaylene Muller with her child, John Daniels, Jason Roberts, Junealien Veldman, Gershwill Appels, Nozipho Stone, Father of the house, Micheal Hendricks and his wife Lydia Hendricks and a grandchild in front.
Mad6: Mayor Jackie Von Brandis, Councillors and staff from the George SPCA after delivering food to the animals.
Veronique Ferndale, Nutritional Coordinator at Community Development, George Municipality and Sarie Wildeman from Rosemoor, who runs a soup kitchen show their skills at the Francois Ferreira Chef Academy.
Senior Library Assistant, Thembekile Precious Spengana of Uniondale Library assisted by two volunteers making sandwiches for people living on the Streets.
Portfolio Councillor for Social Development, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, who was embraced by his former teacher and now head of the Akkertjie ECD, Ingrid Tyler.
Mayor Jackie Von Brandis concentrating on her painting.
Sivuyo Ngcwangu, Thembalethu iHUB Incubation Centre Manager with Mayor Jackie Von Brandis.
