Durban — The MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, hosted the Operation Buyelekhaya Christmas ceremony, where he presented senior citizens with food hampers as Christmas gifts.
It is reported that in 2020, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government initiated a programme called Operation Buyelekhaya as a social cohesion programme to use as a tool to embrace the importance of the contribution the migrant workers would make when they come back to the rural areas or villages they originate from to enjoy Christmas with the local community members during the December break.
The department added that it is against this backdrop that this programme gets done during the month of December - whereby the KZN Provincial Legislative Members of the Executive Council (MECs) normally host the Christmas parties in their respective constituencies, for designated groupings such as child-headed households, the elderly and or disabled persons.
On Saturday, Mahlaba hosted 1 200 senior citizens of Nkande in Ward 19, in Nkande Village of Nquthu Local Municipality. About 500 profiled and identified elderly people were given food hampers.
The local residents also remarked on Mahlaba’s spirit of ubuntu, kindness and the caring attitude he has for others.
By the end of the long day for the elderly folk, most could be seen hobbling home with their food parcels, all thanking the Mahlaba for bringing them early Christmas presents.
Daily News