Limpopo celebrates Nelson Mandela Day

Vyeboom- Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba together with the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Mr. Basikopo Makamu has extended their 67 minutes of kindness by handing over a newly built 5 room house to struggle Veteran Mr. Meshack Matamela Raphalalani on Friday, 18 July 2025 at Vyeboom village outside Vuwani, Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

The United Nations (UN) declared the 18th of July as the Nelson Mandela Day back in 2009 to honor the Legacy and values of the late former state President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

The 15th edition of Nelson Mandela Day was commemorated world-wide, and residents of Limpopo showed their solidarity with the initiative by devoting 67 minutes of their time to engage in community service under the theme “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.”

The recipient of the house, Raphalalani, served under Azanian People’s Organizations (AZAPO) from 1980 until 1990, operating underground at Mangwele and Gaba villages, and he is best known for playing crucial roles in resisting the apartheid regime.

Premier Dr. Ramathuba said government has chosen to express the spirit of humanity through actions by handing over two newly built homes to struggle military veterans.

“Our presence here is deeply aligned with the legacy of Tata Mandela, who believed that the truest form of freedom is when every South African enjoys the dignity of a decent home. As we reflect on Mandela’s teachings and the many sacrifices made by our veterans, we remember the declaration of the Freedom Charter adopted 70 years ago stating that there shall be houses, security and comfort.” Dr. Ramathuba said

Raphalalani will now enjoy the comfort of his new house together with his family of three children and his wife Mrs. Edzisani Salphina Raphalalani.
Dr. Ramathuba also accentuated that the house handover from Limpopo Provincial Government is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of justice, gratitude and renewal.

She believes that a house represents the restoration of dignity serving as a reminder that the legacy of Nelson Mandela is best honored as government brings lasting change to people’s lives.

“Through this house we say thank you for your service, your sacrifices are not forgotten. As a province, our commitment to the wellbeing of military veterans remains unwavering.” Dr. Ramathuba added

In 2024, the Limpopo Provincial Government 7th Administration committed to building at least 132 housing units for military veterans across all five districts in the province and they have managed to complete 71 buildings so far and government is still forging ahead to complete the remaining 61 units.

Despite challenges of tracing down some beneficiaries and securing fully serviced sites, the Limpopo Provincial Government remains determined to fulfill their constitutional obligation to those who stood in defence of democracy.