The Poor Get Hope
September 22nd, 2008 | Published in Community
Written By Constance Rahlane
On the windy morning of 07 August, approximately 2 500 people around Bushbuckridge flocked to Nhluvukane village for a government-sponsored event. People came with many different purposes: some to see the MEC of the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Hon. A.F. Mahlalela, others to register for ID books, child grants or old age pensions. A few came to receive food parcels. Loud music boomed, entertaining people while they waited for the MEC’s arrival. When the event started, all the queues were stopped, so people could concentrate on the MEC’s speech. The event began two hours late at 11:10 a.m. At that time, a huge white tent filled up, and there were no available seats.
Mr. K.E. Mathole, communications officer of Tintswalo Hospital, was the MC of the day. He tried to make up for the two hours lost by getting straight to the point when he spoke. There was lots of entertainment—drama, poetry, gospel, muchongolo—before the MEC gave his speech. He spoke in English, which was translated into xiTsonga. “We are here to bring hope. We believe we will succeed. As the ANC government, we will carry you as our burden,” he said.
The purpose of the day was to reveal the government’s plan to build offices for social workers. The contract was due to start on 15 August 2008, with an estimated budget of 3,3 million. People cheered when they heard that the project would only employ local people from Nhluvukane. The MEC also gave food parcels to 60 deserving families, and 156 school uniforms to commendable students. “Those who are strong must carry those who are weak, with patience and belief we will reach our destination,” said the MEC. He was not happy about how little had changed in Hluvukani since his last visit in 1993. He quoted many encouraging verses from the Bible. When he finished his speech, honorable visitors went forward to give away food and uniforms. People were glad to receive the food: a 50kg bag of mielies, 2 liters of cooking oil, soap, sugar, soup, beans and many more. A young boy only had two important words to say when receiving his uniform. “Thank you,” he said shyly.
Commenting on the current high inflation, the MEC said, “The inflation is beyond government control. Let’s go back to farming.”
At the end of the event Mr, Chabangu, the acting Bushbuckridge mayor, thanked everyone present. Then the MEC walked out with other respected officials while the Winnie Mashaba song Ritshepile wena Morena played.
Although not everyone was lucky enough to receive food parcels and school uniforms, everyone received a free meal and cold drinks at the end of the event.
