Former President, Nelson Mandela, has through his words and deeds become an international symbol of courage, determination and reconciliation. International Nelson Mandela Day is commemorated on 18th July. On this day

South Africans, and indeed others throughout the world, find and implement creative ways and projects for 67 minutes that will make a difference, albeit small, to humanity. The aim of the day, which coincides with the former President’s 95th birthday this year, is to embrace and emulate his values through acts of charity and kindness for 67 minutes – which represents the 67 years he devoted to fighting for freedom for all South Africans

On 18 July 2013, the Board, Executive and employees of Umgeni Water were inspired to do more than just 67 minutes of community service. Various community-based projects were undertaken. The initiatives included fundraising, refurbishment of community buildings and the sponsorship of groceries. Acitivities were undertaken within the operational areas of four of Umgeni Water’s Customers:

• Kwanyuswa and Chatsworth -eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

• Kwa Sathane- ILembe District Municipality• Mjundu, Vulindlela, Ngwadini and Scottburgh-Ugu District

Municipality• Northdale-Msunduzi LM

67 Minutes in the Name of Madiba

W a t e r f o r G r o w t h a n d S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t

Mandela Day in the Valley of Thousands HillsA community living in deep rural Valley of Thousand Hills became the beneficiaries of Mandela Day when, to their delight, Umgeni Water launched a humanitarian initiative that involved the fencing and painting of the local Traditional Court, repairs to the local school and the provision of desperately needed school uniforms and shoes to learners and food hampers to the community.

The initiative, part of Umgeni Water’s corporate social responsibility, was undertaken on Mandela Day, 18th July 2013, in the Kwamatsha area in Kwanyuswa before a public meeting took place at a packed Kwamatsha Community Hall. The meeting was addressed by Inkosi Z Ngcobo, the Chief Executive of Umgeni Water, Cyril Gamede, a member of the Board of Umgeni Water, Nompumelelo Chamane, and the Mayor of Durban, James Nxumalo.

The key messages that emerged from the speeches that were presented at the hall were:• The importance of conservation of water as a scarce resource• The impact of vandalism of water infrastructure on service

delivery. Hence, a strong appeal was made not to tamper with or damage such infrastructure

• The risks, both personal and to infrastructure, associated with encroachment onto servitudes that house pipes carrying water from dams to water treatment works and reservoirs. The risks

arising from building dwellings on servitudes could involve injury or death if a break occurs on a pipeline. The issue was raised because there have a few encroachments on servitudes owned by Umgeni Water and housing its infrastructure.

• The legislative difference (in terms of the Water Services Act) between a water board, as a Water Services Provider, and municipality, as a Water Services Authority. A water board is a bulk supplier of water while a municipality purchases potable water from a water board and, in turn, supplies it to consumers. Payment for water has to be made by consumers because

costs are involved in abstracting, treating, storing and supplying water.• The progress being made by the Government in increasing communities’ access to safe drinking, especially in rural areas

The Mayor of Durban praised Umgeni Water for its Mandela Day initiative and said the humanitarian gesture was an example for others to follow. As a State-owned entity and supplier of a vital commodity, Umgeni Water was delighted it was able to provide assistance to the community and children from the Mbhanana Primary School in line with its corporate social responsibility.

Cars Washed for a Worthy CauseStaff at Head Office held a successful carwash in the Executive parking area for 67 minutes. The vehicles were washed for a nominal fee of R40. . The funds raised will be used to purchase books for children’s hospitals and homes located in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. A total of R700 was collected This figure will be matched by Umgeni Water as this project is considered to be a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

Community upliftment at Kwa SathaneManagement and staff from Umgeni Water’s Northern Region dedicated their 67 minutes to the late Mdu Ngcekwa. Mr Ngcekwa had learnt of the Kwa Sathane community in the ILembe District during a site visit, and was moved by the abject poverty present. He had been previously involved in fundraising efforts for food and clothing to assist this community. The North Coast team thought that it would be a fitting tribute to his memory to assist the Kwa Sathane community once more. The proceedings were attended by the local ward councillor, community members, E. Bhengu Operations

The community were provided with food hampers and winter clothing. Pravesh Boodhoo, Area Manager, for the North, stated that: ‘‘In celebrating this special day, we are encouraged to take action, inspire change and make every day going forward Mandela Day. To this effect, we have decided to make a small difference to the lives of the community of Kwa Sathane.’’

The Mayor of Durban praised Umgeni Water for its Mandela Day initiative and said the humanitarian gesture was an example for others to follow.

Umgeni Water Staff and Board members roll up their sleeves to make a difference to the lives of the poor in our Province

Brooklyn Heights Primary Warmed by Umgeni Water’s Efforts

Board member, Visvin Reddy, donated 67 minutes of his time to Brooklyn Heights Primary School in Chatsworth. Brooklyn Heights Primary School is located in the Madiba Informal settlement in Chatsworth.

A large number of the school’s 750 learners come from extremely impoverished homes. The school relies on the generosity of the community and business to provide meals to the children. Umgeni Water sponsored 750 lunch packs and 750 winter hats to the pupils of the school. The Principal, Mr S. Moonsamy, stated that he was overwhelmed by the gratitude of Umgeni Water and was thankful that his school was chosen for this initiative.

Umgeni Water changes lives of children attending 2 Creches in Ugu DistrictThe Mhlonhlweni Creche is 15 minutes away inland from Umkomaas. The crèche is based in a deeply rural area. The access road to the crèche is mainly gravel. This area does not have proper access to basic services such as electricity and water. The community receives water that is delivered either once a week or once every 2 weeks via a Tanker. The children attending the creche are from the Mjundu, Vulindlela and Ngwadini areas.

The crèche accommodates 52 kids, whose ages range from a few months to 5 years. There are 4 caregivers on site. The facility receives a subsidy from the Department of Social Development. Each child is subsidized to an amount of R15 per day which equates to a total of R15 600.00 per month. Most of the budget allocation is utilised for food, the remaining amount is used for salaries and equipment.

Umgeni Water’s Executive and staff gave their time and personal funds to refurbish the crèche building and to provide furniture and equipment that were desperately needed. The entire crèche and playground equipment received a new coat of paint. Amongst the items donated, the children were most thankful for the chairs and tables. The children were also treated to Macdonald Happy Meals.

Nompucuko Mlaba, supervisor of the crèche, expressed gratitude to the staff of Umgeni Water for their hard work and donations that the crèche had received. She went on to state that the contribution would have a positive impact on the work that the crèche was doing in relation to early childhood development.

Chief Executive, Cyril Gamede, said he was proud to be part of Umgeni Water as much had been done to improve the lives of the children attending the crèche, and he requested

that the staff present should be involved in projects of a similar nature so that many more people could be assisted in a similar manner.

Ikhayelihle EducareIkhaelihle Educare crèche is situated near Scottsburgh, approximately 5 kms from N2 Freeway. The crèche is situated in an urban area, thus has access to both electricity and water supply. A total of 43 children attend the facility. The age group of the children is 2-6 years. A subsidy is received from the Department of Social Development, which amounts to R12 900. This amount barely covers the food, salaries and equipment that is required for the crèche.

The facility was provided with mattresses, toys and linoleum sheeting. The building and playground equipment were given a fresh coat of paint. The Mayor of Umdoni Local Municipality, Councillor SSI Khwela, was present at the handover ceremony. He thanked the management and staff of Umgeni Water for their generosity. Chief Executive, Cyril Gamede, expressed his appreciation to the supervisor and her staff for the work that was being done for the children in the area and stated that he was pleased that Umgeni Water could assist them in this endeavour.

Senior Citizens receive the royal treatment from Umgeni WaterStaff members from Engineering & Scientific Services and Information & Communication Technology spent their 67 minutes at the Aryan Benevolent Old Age Home in Northdale, Pietermartizburg. The facility is home to 32 frail senior citizens. A large number of these residents have been abandoned by their families.

Savouries of all kinds were prepared and shared with the residents. Groceries were also purchased for use by the home. Staff of Umgeni Water were humbled by their interaction with residents who were filled with much excitement and gratitude for the love that they had been shown.

ConclusionNelson Mandela once mentioned that “Deep down in every human heart, there is mercy and generosity”. These sentiments certainly hold true in relation to the manner which Umgeni Water heeded the call to action in order to uplift the lives of communities during Nelson Mandela Day.

W a t e r f o r G r o w t h a n d S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t

W a t e r f o r G r o w t h a n d S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t W a t e r f o r G r o w t h a n d S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t