The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing minor symptoms. Phaahla is in self-isolation after his tests came back positive earlier today.
The Department of Health spokesperson, Foster Mohale said: “Phaahla immediately self-isolated, but he will perform his official duties from home for a period of 7 days. All his planned contact meetings have been rescheduled, while others converted into virtual.
“This is a reminder that the pandemic still remains amongst us and infectious, hence the department continues to report COVID-19 daily positive cases and deaths. Phaahla has received two doses of J&J COVID-19 vaccine, which he believes has boosted his immunity against the severity of the virus.”
Mohale said the department would like to remind the public that lifting the COVID-19 restrictions does not mean the pandemic is over, hence vaccination services remain accessible at all times at selected sites.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Lenah Miga at the Old Age centre in Bloemhof/Suppled
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 30 children at Reatlegile Children and Youth Centre in Dibate village near Mahikeng received food parcels during Mandela International Day on Monday. North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga said they kick-started the day by assisting with cleaning the place and handed over food parcels.
The centre was established in 2007 by a Mahikeng philanthropist, Boitumelo Selepe (59).
“The centre is currently taking care of over 30 children, who are all of school-going age. The centre survives through donations from faith-based organisations. We are grateful to the kind-hearted people, who are helping the centre to make sure that the children do not go to bed hungry.
“The youngest among the children in the centre is two months old. We have also executed the theme by handing over sports kits at the old age home in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof,” she said.
Miga also encouraged elderly women at old age to be physically fit to lessen the risk of developing other diseases associated with ageing. She said she is inspired and touched because women remain pillars of society, and caregivers and are much needed by those close to them no matter the age. She said she hopes the spirit and courage women have will continue for generations to come.
“We have to leave a legacy for our young people. Remember, Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated worldwide to commemorate the former statesman’s achievements and to carry forward his legacy for a better future.
“In recognition of the former President Mandela’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, the day highlights the dedication to the service of humanity and promotion of a culture of peace,” she said.
Miga further said the idea is for everyone to make a 67 minutes difference in the day through volunteering, donations and community service.
Picture: The executive mayor at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje with elderly woman, Lele Seitshokelo, flanked by the Manager in the Office of the mayor, Pardon Swarts, and ANC councillor, Tebogo Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
An elderly woman from Magogong village in Taung said she is happy to finally receive a house. Lele Seitshokelo (78) stays in a mud two-roomed house alone and said she had lost hope after the donor, who was supposed to build her a house five years ago, disappeared in the thin air.
However, Seitshokelo said she is grateful that the executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje came to her rescue. She said it is heart-warming to see people like Maje still in their midst.
“I am happy to see the newly-elected executive mayor coming to my rescue and spending his 67 minutes of humanity here. I stay with one of my children, but in most cases, I stay alone because she is seldom home.
“I had no hope that one day I’ll receive a decent house after the donor, who was supposed to build me a house disappeared. I am not sure what happened, but I had incomplete structure outside for almost five years,” she said.
Seitshokelo further said, when Maje visited her house and promised to finish her house, she was skeptical. She said she regained her confidence when indeed he came to do an assessment.
“Finally, he is here with local people to finish the house. Truly, I feel honoured, and may Almighty bless him,” said Seitshokelo.
According to Seitshokelo, she originally comes from Dithakwaneng village, near Kuruman and she relocated to Magogong village during her time while working on the farms. A mother of four said she does not feel safe because there were few break-in attempts at her house previously.
Meanwhile, Maje said: “I started my 67 minutes of Mandela Day at Thusanong Disability Centre in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, where we donated garden tools and JoJo tank. Now, we came to complete a house here in Magogong village.
“This incomplete house was abandoned by a donor five years ago and I decided to come and complete it using my own salary from the municipality. Remember, the late Dr Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker, and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.”
He further said on 18 July every year, everyone is invited to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their communities. Maje added that each and every person has the responsibility to change the world for the better.
“The Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change. As an activist, I live among the people and the condition here is very inhuman. One would not expect an elderly person for that matter or even anybody to be subjected to these conditions today in this democratic dispensation.
“So, I saw it befitting to come and make a positive contribution as the deployee of the ANC. This will bring back the elderly woman’s dignity. I am using my own resources with support from my family,” said Maje.
He also encouraged the youth not to lose hope, but to use various avenues to improve their lives.
The Guardian 