The spirit of Christmas arrived early for the elderly, disabled, and children across several care centers within the King Cetshwayo district, thanks to the compassionate initiative led by District Mayor, Councilor Thami Ntuli. In a heartfelt gesture aimed at renewing hope and extending love to the less fortunate, Mayor Ntuli orchestrated a series of activities for Christmas 2023.
The festive spirit unfolded as Mayor Ntuli personally visited Ethembeni Care Center in Mfolozi Municipality, Jabulani Care Center in Mhlathuze Municipality, and KwaMagwaza Hospital in Mthonjaneni Municipality. His visits were marked by the distribution of groceries, toys, and Christmas essentials, uplifting the spirits of those in need.
Gathering the leadership from the three municipalities, Mayor Ntuli underscored the significance of celebrating and caring for all lives, especially during the Christmas holidays.
“As the Christmas season dawns upon us, it’s imperative that we ensure the well-being of everyone. This time of the year is synonymous with cherished moments spent with loved ones, and it’s our responsibility to mitigate any sufferings or hunger,” emphasized Mayor Ntuli.
“In our efforts, our primary goal is to bring hope and comfort to those who, due to certain circumstances, cannot be with their families during this season,” Mayor Ntuli mentioned in a heartfelt interview.
He also highlighted the heartening response received from the recipients, expressing their gratitude for the thoughtful gestures and the essential food parcels distributed.
In an interview with Mayor Ntuli, he shared, “We’ve been deeply touched by the recipients’ expressions of gratefulness. It reaffirms our belief in the power of empathy and solidarity during these challenging times.” You can catch the whole interview here:
In an interview with one of the beneficiaries, 56-year-old Mom Ntshangase expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards Mayor Ntuli for his efforts in bringing joy to the care centers.
“It’s truly heartwarming to receive this support during the festive season. Mayor Ntuli’s visit has brought so much joy and hope to us,” shared Mom Ntshangase in a heartfelt interview captured on video. You can catch the video here:
At Ethembeni Care Centre, a haven for the terminally ill, Mayor Ntuli commended Mayor Xolani Bhengu of Mfolozi Municipality for his visit and significant contributions towards the gift donations. It was revealed that the center, unfortunately, lacks funding or support from the governing authorities, leaving the devoted nurses and staff to dip into their own resources to tend to the patients and maintain the facility.
“It’s disheartening that the government has turned a blind eye to the plight of this center, leaving both workers and patients in dire circumstances,” lamented Mayor Ntuli.
Undeterred by challenges, the King Cetshwayo District Municipality remains committed to hosting Christmas programs throughout December across various centers. This unwavering effort aims to ensure that everyone experiences a joyous and memorable Christmas season.