As IT Wraps UP 2022: Municipality Appreciates 66 City Volunteers
The Municipal Council of Manzini last Thursday hosted an appreciation event for a total of 66 men and women volunteers who render various social services in the City of Manzini without expecting any remuneration. The volunteers were presented with grocery hampers and Shoprite supermarket cash vouchers. They comprised of 43 social centre volunteers who cook for over 1,500 underprivileged children that benefit one meal per day in the eight social centres (commonly referred to as soup kitchens). The volunteers also included eight youth peer educators who do not only ensure availability of condoms in various strategic parts of the city but also go about the various city communities educating their peers about issues of sexual reproductive health and how to prevent contracting HIV. Also presented with gifts during the City Volunteers Appreciation Day were 15 Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) volunteers who visit pregnant women in the various city communities; educating them about ways of preventing transmission of HIV to their unborn babies. Speaking during the event, Manzini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Mabuza, said the Municipality was pleased to note that even young people were joining-in to volunteer their services to a noble course. “We truly thank God for the great sense of commitment to the marvellous work that you do in our city – without expecting any remuneration.
The Holy Bible, in the Book of Proverbs chapter 19 verse 17, says those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay them. To us, as a Municipality, the work that you are doing is extremely big because you are helping out in raising the future of the city and the country. Some of the children that you are taking care of in the various social centres will be the cornerstones of this country in the near future. Therefore, this is a great contribution”, said the Mayor. Mabuza also thanked the various stakeholders who had over the years contributed to sustenance of the feeding programme; further encouraging the business sector and other organisations to join-in and lend a helping hand. Speaking during the same event, Manzini Municipality Chief Executive Officer Lungile Dlamini highlighted that the Municipality had sadly lost some sponsors who were supporting the social programme as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy. “However, as a Municipality we trust our God”, the CEO stated. Speaking on behalf of the volunteers, Nonhlanhla Mbatha, expressed appreciation to the Municipality for the kind gesture. “We do note that the Municipality has been very busy this year, rehabilitating a number of roads in the city. As a result, we were not anticipating to receive these exciting Christmas gifts from it. We are truly appreciative of this kind gesture from our Municipality. Indeed, you have proven that you are the country’s hub”, she stated.
…OVER 60 DESTITUTE CITIZENS ALSO GET FOOD HAMPERS
With the festive season being a time for giving, the Municipal Council of Manzini did not only present Christmas gifts to city social programme volunteers but also various vulnerable members of the city’s communities. These included the elderly, persons with disability and various destitute persons. The total number of vulnerable citizens who benefitted is 60. His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Mabuza, accompanied by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Zinhle Matsebula, took it upon themselves to personally visit some of the beneficiaries for presentation of the hampers.
…PLEASE REMEMBER: LIVESTOCK AUCTION SALE TODAY
Citizens of the City of Manzini and surrounding areas are reminded that the Municipal Council of Manzini will, at 1pm today, be hosting an auction sale of cattle and chickens at the Municipal Pound, situated below the Golf Course Cemetery. The animals have been kept at the pound for over 42 days without being clamped by their owners. The Municipality is permitted to sell impounded animals that remain unclaimed. Those interested in bidding are advised to pay a compulsory refundable fee of E500 at the Council Rates Hall prior to the auction sale. Pre-auction sale viewing of the livestock is permitted.
…SAFE, HAPPY CROSSOVER TO 2023
The Municipal Council of Manzini takes this opportunity to wish all citizens of the City of Manzini an exciting and safe crossover to the new year. The Municipality further extends appreciation to all stakeholders for the continued support exhibited throughout the course of the year 2022. The Municipality issues a reminder that, as we crossover into the new year, respect for the city rules and regulations must continue to prevail amongst all citizens; and this includes issues of noise pollution. The Municipality’s Night Response Team is on duty even during the festive season and citizens are encouraged to access its services by contacting the 24/7 Call Centre on 800 2004/2505 7000. May the year 2023 be one of progress and enormous success for all citizens and stakeholders.
