By Thembi Moyo
GERMISTON – The spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of compassion and service was alive in Germiston on Saturday as hundreds of vulnerable residents received essential support during the annual Germiston Community Care & Partnership Outreach.
Although held a week after Mandela Day, the outreach continued a tradition that has become a fixture in the community for the past six years. Organised by the China Hong Kong Association South Africa in partnership with the Germiston Chinese Business Community Care Organising Committee, SANCO and the City of Ekurhuleni, the initiative brought together government leaders, diplomats, community organisations and local businesses to provide practical assistance to families in need.
Residents from Germiston Extensions 5, 8 and 9 queued patiently as volunteers distributed food parcels, blankets, winter jackets, school bags, hats, educational supplies and other necessities. Six wheelchairs were also donated to elderly and disabled residents whose mobility had been severely limited. The outreach benefited around 1000 families while hundreds of children received school essentials aimed at supporting their education during the winter season.
The event was attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy and Consulate, including Minister Maoyi Zhou, Deputy Consul-General Yujiang Zhou, Consul Huibo Yang and Consul Yi Xiao. Also present were SANCO Deputy President and Member of Parliament Christopher Nakampe Malematja, Ekurhuleni Regional SANCO Chairperson Levion Lukhele, Regional Secretary Cassius Mabasa, MMC for Infrastructure and Economic Development Dorah Mlambo, MMC for Utilities Jean Sthatho, Ward 35 Councillor Ntuthuzelo Mpambani, Malibelinye Community Chairperson Alex Xakambana and other community leaders.
China Hong Kong Association South Africa Chairperson Peter Chang said the annual outreach is about building lasting relationships between Chinese businesses and the communities in which they operate. “This is our sixth year doing this Mandela Day outreach. Every year we come together because we believe we are one family. We may come from different cultures and have different skin colours, but we want to build one united community. We love our communities and we hope they also love us. We are not foreigners we are neighbours, and we want to grow together.”
Chang said the association remains committed to supporting vulnerable residents while strengthening trust between local businesses and surrounding communities. Representing the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, MMC for Infrastructure and Economic Development Dorah Mlambo welcomed the partnership, saying collaborations between the municipality, businesses and community organisations are essential in addressing social challenges. “As the City of Ekurhuleni, we appreciate partnerships like this. Today we have seen food parcels, blankets, jackets, school items and wheelchairs being handed over to residents who need them most. This is what responsible corporate citizenship looks like. We thank the Chinese business community for continuing to invest in our communities and for standing with the people of Germiston.”
SANCO Deputy President and Member of Parliament Christopher Nakampe Malematja described the outreach as a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities, government and business work together. “This partnership between the Germiston Chinese Business Organisation, the municipality and SANCO has allowed us to celebrate Mandela Day in a meaningful way by supporting families who need it most. Around 500 families received food parcels, six wheelchairs were donated, children received educational support and residents also benefited from voter education. Most importantly, the Chinese business community has committed to growing with the community by creating employment opportunities for local people. As SANCO, we are proud to help build these relationships because together we can do much more.”
Malematja said stronger partnerships would encourage greater investment in local communities while ensuring residents become active partners in protecting businesses that create jobs. Beyond the donations, organisers said the outreach was designed to strengthen social cohesion and encourage positive relations between local residents and the Chinese business community, which has become an important contributor to Germiston’s economy.
For many beneficiaries, the day was about more than receiving food or warm clothing it was a reminder that they had not been forgotten. Seventy-two-year-old beneficiary Nomsa Dlamini, who received a food parcel and blanket, said the assistance would make a meaningful difference to her household. “Life has become very difficult and every little bit helps. Today I feel seen and appreciated. This food will feed my family, and the blanket will keep us warm during these cold nights. I thank everyone who remembered us.”
As volunteers packed away the last of the donations, organisers reaffirmed their commitment to returning next Mandela Day, continuing a tradition that has become a symbol of unity, compassion and shared responsibility in Germiston.The annual outreach once again demonstrated that Mandela’s message of service lives on not only through words, but through partnerships that continue to change lives, one family at a time.
