KZN Health MEC spreads festive Xmas cheer for poor senior citizens and disabled children of Dannhauser; other also urged to show generosity during time of giving

20 December 2019

It has been a classic case of "charity begins at home" for KZN Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane Zulu, who yesterday handed out sizeable batches of groceries for 50 senior citizens, and toys for disabled children, during a Christmas party held in her hometown of Dannhauser, Amajuba District (Newcastle).

he MEC's act of benevolence left smiles across the faces of the elderly recipients, many of whom would have otherwise had a bleak Christmas due to their poor circumstances.

Before accepting the gifts, the senior citizens each underwent screening and testing for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, among others.

MEC Simelane-Zulu, who is the champion of Amajuba District, said she was pleased and humbled to be able to bring joy to people’s lives during this time of giving.

She has urged others to also identify those who are needy and find a way to help them, so that they, too, can experience the warm and festive spirit of Christmas.

"As an MEC and district champion, one has a responsibility to also give back to the community, so we decided to give something that will make their Christmas merry. We say 'Merry Christmas' at this time, but for some families it is not necessarily merry because it’s not everyone that has money or food. So, we gave them something to eat, and gave the children toys because the spirit of Father Christmas should be able to cover all the children, including those who are poor.

So it is a very nice feeling to be able to give back to our communities. Seeing people excited, and pleased with what has happened is priceless. So, we call on everyone who has the capacity to give back to find a way to do so. It does not have to be on a grand scale.

But do not let your neighbour go to bed hungry when you can give something.

"We grew up in an environment and era when we knew that where there was a family that did not have money, the community would come together to make sure that we contribute something. So, we’re trying to bring back that spirit of Ubuntu, to look after each other as community members."

MEC Simelane-Zulu will host a second Christmas for the elderly party in Zululand District on Sunday, and another one in Durban on Monday.