F ormer President, Nelson Mandela, has through his words and deeds become an international symbol of courage, determination and reconciliation. International Nelson Mandela Day is commemorated on 18th July. On this day South Africans, and indeed others throughout the world, find and implement creative ways and projects for 67 minutes that will make a difference, albeit small, to humanity. The aim of the day, which coincides with the former President’s 95th birthday this year, is to embrace and emulate his values through acts of charity and kindness for 67 minutes – which represents the 67 years he devoted to fighting for freedom for all South Africans On 18 July 2013, the Board, Executive and employees of Umgeni Water were inspired to do more than just 67 minutes of community service. Various community-based projects were undertaken. The initiatives included fundraising, refurbishment of community buildings and the sponsorship of groceries. Acitivities were undertaken within the operational areas of four of Umgeni Water’s Customers: • Kwanyuswa and Chatsworth -eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality • Kwa Sathane- ILembe District Municipality • Mjundu,Vulindlela, Ngwadini and Scottburgh-Ugu District Municipality • Northdale-Msunduzi LM 67 Minutes in the Name of Madiba Water for Growth and Sustainable Development Mandela Day in the Valley of Thousands Hills A community living in deep rural Valley of Thousand Hills became the beneficiaries of Mandela Day when, to their delight, Umgeni Water launched a humanitarian initiative that involved the fencing and painting of the local Traditional Court, repairs to the local school and the provision of desperately needed school uniforms and shoes to learners and food hampers to the community. The initiative, part of Umgeni Water’s corporate social responsibility, was undertaken on Mandela Day, 18th July 2013, in the Kwamatsha area in Kwanyuswa before a public meeting took place at a packed Kwamatsha Community Hall. The meeting was addressed by Inkosi Z Ngcobo, the Chief Executive of Umgeni Water, Cyril Gamede, a member of the Board of Umgeni Water, Nompumelelo Chamane, and the Mayor of Durban, James Nxumalo. The key messages that emerged from the speeches that were presented at the hall were: • The importance of conservation of water as a scarce resource • The impact of vandalism of water infrastructure on service delivery. Hence, a strong appeal was made not to tamper with or damage such infrastructure • The risks, both personal and to infrastructure, associated with encroachment onto servitudes that house pipes carrying water from dams to water treatment works and reservoirs. The risks arising from building dwellings on servitudes could involve injury or death if a break occurs on a pipeline. The issue was raised because there have a few encroachments on servitudes owned by Umgeni Water and housing its infrastructure. • The legislative difference (in terms of the Water Services Act) between a water board, as a Water Services Provider, and municipality, as a Water Services Authority. A water board is a bulk supplier of water while a municipality purchases potable water from a water board and, in turn, supplies it to consumers. Payment for water has to be made by consumers because costs are involved in abstracting, treating, storing and supplying water. • The progress being made by the Government in increasing communities’ access to safe drinking, especially in rural areas The Mayor of Durban praised Umgeni Water for its Mandela Day initiative and said the humanitarian gesture was an example for others to follow. As a State-owned entity and supplier of a vital commodity, Umgeni Water was delighted it was able to provide assistance to the community and children from the Mbhanana Primary School in line with its corporate social responsibility. Cars Washed for a Worthy Cause Staff at Head Office held a successful carwash in the Executive parking area for 67 minutes. The vehicles were washed for a nominal fee of R40. . The funds raised will be used to purchase books for children’s hospitals and homes located in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. A total of R700 was collected This figure will be matched by Umgeni Water as this project is considered to be a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. Community upliftment at Kwa Sathane Management and staff from Umgeni Water’s Northern Region dedicated their 67 minutes to the late Mdu Ngcekwa. Mr Ngcekwa had learnt of the Kwa Sathane community in the ILembe District during a site visit, and was moved by the abject poverty present. He had been previously involved in fundraising efforts for food and clothing to assist this community. The North Coast team thought that it would be a fitting tribute to his memory to assist the Kwa Sathane community once more. The proceedings were attended by the local ward councillor, community members, E. Bhengu Operations The community were provided with food hampers and winter clothing. Pravesh Boodhoo, Area Manager, for the North, stated that: ‘‘In celebrating this special day, we are encouraged to take action, inspire change and make every day going forward Mandela Day. To this effect, we have decided to make a small difference to the lives of the community of Kwa Sathane.’’ The Mayor of Durban praised Umgeni Water for its Mandela Day initiative and said the humanitarian gesture was an example for others to follow. Umgeni Water Staff and Board members roll up their sleeves to make a difference to the lives of the poor in our Province