The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation and former Deputy Minister of Communications, Thandi Mahambehlala, on Saturday celebrated her 48th birthday with 50 senior citizens in Samora Machel, Philippi.
With the adjusted alert level 3 lockdown extended until February 15 Ms Mahambehlala and her entourage made sure that sanitiser was available and that physical distancing was observed at the Samora Machel Hall.
“This is almost a decade now celebrating my day with most lovely people, the seniors,” Ms Mahambehlala said.
“I made a decision long time ago that it is better to spend my birthday with the people in need. With a little that I have, I chose to spend it with them. That makes me sleep peacefully.”
She said last year she spent her birthday with seniors in Khayelitsha and this year in Samora and Strand.
“I did Crossroads and other areas too”, she said.
Among those who accompanied her was Dr Gregory Davids from the University of the Western Cape who called on other leaders to follow in Ms Mahambehlala’s footsteps, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are so thankful to have her amongst us, especially during this time of this pandemic. People need to see leaders among them,” he said.
A delighted Nomahlubi Mandla said she was thankful because her refrigerator was empty and she had nothing left to eat.
“This is the hardest month ever for anyone. Remember we are from the festive season and we have over-spent. This came at the right time for us. May God bless her more,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Kingsize Nayi, said: “The event is the first of its kind here in Samora by a young lady and she is the first person to care about us in January. I am grateful to her,” he said.