The City of Johannesburg's Department of Health and Social Development marked Mandela Day by bringing hope, awareness and support to children living with disabilities, reinforcing the message that inclusion is a shared responsibility and that every child deserves dignity and equal opportunities. The Mandela Day celebration, held at Be My Moms Kids Hotel and Montessori in Region D, brought together several stakeholders and beneficiaries for a day dedicated to recognising the abilities and talents of children with autism and other disabilities.

The programme combined autism awareness, community service and social support, with volunteers participating in gardening activities to improve the centre while food parcels were distributed to vulnerable families. The Department's Food Resilience Unit also provided refreshments to attendees.

The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Cllr Ennie Makhafola, who is also a professional nurse, highlighted the importance of creating communities that understand and support people living with autism.

"Today is more than just a celebration. We have a responsibility as a community to take the spear and continue the fight. There is no true freedom until everyone is empowered," said Makhafola.

She called on government departments, communities, civil society organisations and all stakeholders to work together to ensure that inclusion becomes a reality rather than an aspiration.

Executive Head of Social Development Martin Lebea said the Department intentionally chose the centre to ensure that children with disabilities formed part of the City's Mandela Day programme.

"Nelson Mandela had a special place in his heart for children, and we wanted to honour that legacy by making sure children with autism and other disabilities are not left behind. They deserve to be seen, supported and included in everything we do," said Mr. Lebea.

The day's activities reflected the true spirit of Mandela Day by combining education with action. Beyond raising awareness, volunteers transformed parts of the centre through gardening initiatives while vulnerable families received food parcels to help ease household pressures.

By placing children living with disabilities at the centre of this year's Mandela Day programme, the Department of Health and Social Development reinforced that Mandela's legacy lives on through acts of compassion, service and inclusion.

Written by Dr Farhin Delawala
17/07/2026
 

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