The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Makhosazane Masilela, led a Legacy Project outreach on Friday, April 24. The delegation went to Vukuzenzele Stimulation Centre in Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality and Phuthanang Care Centre for the Aged in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, both situated within the Nkangala District.

This nation-building and social cohesion programme commenced at Vukuzenzele Stimulation Centre.

The Speaker of the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, Mantoa Rasinokwana, said it was an honour for the municipality to be selected, stating that despite Mpumalanga being a vast province, their area had been prioritised.

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Masilela emphasised that the purpose of the visit was to ensure that government services are reaching communities effectively. She said the visit is part of the Legacy Project, inspired by the late former Deputy Speaker, JJ Skhosana, who hailed from the area. The legislature responded to a request from a beneficiary whose wheelchair was no longer usable.

“We are not only bringing a wheelchair but also support that will help sustain the centre,” said Masilela. She highlighted that the Legislature aims to understand challenges faced by such centres and ensure that relevant government departments respond accordingly.

Masilela also encouraged the centre to utilise the legislature’s Petitions Unit to formally raise challenges requiring government intervention. She reaffirmed that all petitions, whether from persons with disabilities or the broader community, are taken seriously.

Letta Kekana, the centre manager, expressed her gratitude, noting that she had personally requested the wheelchair and appreciated the Legislature’s support.

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The centre, established in 1993, currently accommodates 19 beneficiaries and receives partial funding from the Department of Social Development. The visit was concluded by handing over food parcels and a wheelchair to the beneficiaries.

The Legacy Project continued at Phuthanang Care Centre for the Aged in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality. They also handed over essential items, including a fridge, gas stove, chairs, plates, cups, groceries, walking sticks, and cleaning supplies.