Byline: Kelebogile Masemola
18 July 2022
Garankuwa FM and Generational Hobo Homeless drive hosted the 67 minutes of Mandela at Social Development T/a Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa at Soshanguve, Tshwane.
The organiser of the event, Solly Mehlape said the purpose of the event held on Monday, 18 July 2022 was to mingle with and motivate the inmates as there are limited activities for the inmates to participate in, at the centre.
“These children inside do not interact with the community, so we saw it fit to organise their peers from the community to come mingle with them and participate in activities in honour of Mandela Day.
We wanted the inmates to know that we still care about them and we want them to do well and recover.
We organised a group of kids whom we are grooming to come play fun games including netball and soccer with the inmates, they will get a chance to interact with the inmates, they will see for themselves what happens when you do not listen to your parents,” said Mehlape.
Miss SA Finalist, Lebogang Mahlangu, reality show stars of Umdeni (Moja Love channel 157) Bab Maseko and his first wife who is popularly known as Mam’khulu also attended to celebrate, and motivate the inmates.
According to Miss SA 2022 top ten finalist, Lebogang Mahlangu, Mandela Day is an opportunity for active citizenship.
“Yes now we are saying just give 67 minutes of your time to make a difference to the community but if all of us did something like this every day or during the week by connecting with young people from the community and inspiring them to do well or whatever it is you do to make a difference in the community.
Being here is very close to my heart because I grew up here in Soshanguve, my home is literally two (2) minutes away from the centre.
It’s special to be able to come here and attend such a prestigious event, we are going to have a day full of sporting activities.
I do not think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for sports, I even got the opportunity to play soccer at a provincial level,” said Mahlangu.
Moja Love’s Bab’ Maseko said he came to the care centre to show support to the inmates.
“I’m celebrating Mandela Day here to give back to the community, it is Mandela Day, that 67 minutes we must spend giving back to the community.
Nelson Mandela fought for our freedom, the least we can do is try to give back and help those less fortunate and make a difference, the father of the nation deserves the best commemoration.
The day was filled with entertainment and performances, cleaning up the centre and gifts were given to all the children who participated in the activities.






