SANDF response to Madiba’s 67 Minutes call for contribution

By: Bibi Sibanyoni
Photos: Sgt Elias Mahuma
Posted 24 July 2012

The SANDF Matériel Governance directorate answered the call for the 67 minutes of Madiba under the support of Gen Solly Shoke, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). On 20 July 2012 the team embarked on a cleaning and painting campaign to the Patogeng Primary School west of Tshwane.

This is an initiative which answers the call by the United Nations Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, to take responsibility for changing the world and making a difference in a life of those who are less fortunate. Just as the first democratic President Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who spend 67 years of selfless and uninterrupted service in the course of his extraordinary life to the people of South Africa and the World.

Mr Kopano Lebelo, Chief Director Materiel Governance led the team who ensured that the school premises are in better and conducive manner for the learners. The work to be done consisted of the removal of the huge tree stump which was in the place where the school wanted to build Grade R classes. Mr Joseph Shibambo principal of the school said, “We have tried without success to remove the stump in the last three years.” The members of SANDF worked tirelessly to remove the contractor’s containers from the kid’s playground and tennis court greasing of rubble repair of all toilets and painting of both the Library and the Kitchen.

Above all the work done at the school the Chief of the SANDF, Gen Solly Shoke donated a school name board which Maj Gen Morris Moadira handed over to the school principal on his behalf on the successful completion of all the tasks. Both Mr Kopano Lebelo and Maj Gen Morris Moadira planted trees in the school as a symbol of new beginnings and greater things to come. Mr Kopano Lebelo urged the learners to look after the property and take ownership of the vegetable garden he had help revive. He further thanked the sponsors who also joined hands to make this 67 minutes a rememberable one to the learners saying, “ We would also want to thank the department for supporting this great initiative, the CEO of Denel Mr Riaz Saloojee who ensured that the learners still receive their meals whilst the kitchen was being painted by donating the food hampers to 800 kids and lastly the CEO of Safety Express Stromberg, Mr Raymond Hoekstra for designing the school board, it is with such partnerships that makes great differences in the lives of others.”