ANC branch on goodwill drive

The African National Congress’s (ANC) Mphogodiba branch in the Ga-Molepo area celebrated a string of achievements and displayed gestures of goodwill during a gathering at a venue in Mamatsha Village on Saturday.
Apart from commemorating the 105th anniversary of the ANC and the 47th birthday of Capricorn District Executive Mayor and branch member John Mpe on Friday, the branch leadership presented trophies to top performing schools in the area and donated branded blankets and wraps to 600 elderly party supporters.
Among the contingent of VIP guests were long-time friends Sitha Masethe and Angelina Mahlatji, who are both 86 years old and from the old ANC supporter guard. The two boast the original ANC membership cards, explained Mahlatji’s daughter Catherine who is an executive committee member of the branch and of the women’s league at branch level. She said her mother had obtained her membership card while still living in Johannesburg.
Joining them in the audience were Sarah Motimele, Caroline Letsoalo, Elizabeth Rasetlo and Elizabeth Theema, who indicated that they were elated about the expected donations ahead of winter approaching.
In addition to the gifts and entertainment on offer there was an added bonus in the form of a brief appearance by Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung and popular stage performer Dr Malinga, who accompanied Mpe and ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) Peter Mokaba Region Deployee Thabo Mokone in greeting the crowd that gathered at Mamatsha Happy Fighters Sportsgrounds. Whereas Motaung left when Mpe and Mokone ascended the stage for the start of the official part of the programme, Dr Malinga was scheduled to entertain the audience upon conclusion of the event along with a host of local artists.
After the cutting of the one birthday cake – symbolising the ANC’s 105th anniversary year – and the delivery of messages of support, trophies and certificates were handed to representatives of St Bede’s High School, Mokwatedi High School, Manoshi High School and Makgoka High School respectively. St Bede’s High School was singled out as best school in the circuit, Mokwatedi High School as showing the most improved matric results and second best in the circuit, while Manoshi High School received the trophy for third best school in the circuit and Makgoka High School for producing the best quality results with most bachelor passes.
ANC Mphogodiba Branch Secretary Charles Molepo thanked those who contributed to the event to be a successful one.
Mpe afterwards informed Polokwane Observer that it was good to go back to his village and celebrate with senior citizens and officially thank them for raising him. It took a village to produce an individual, he said and added that it wasn’t only the responsibility of his own parents but that of the village to raise the person he was today.

Story and photos: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com