By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – The Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Qingjiang Pan has demonstrated that action speaks louder than words as he handed gifts to a Bophelo Daycare Crèche at Makeneng in Maluti-a-Phofung.
Pan had joined the department of education MEC DR Mamiki Maboya in observing 67 minutes of doing good at this crèche in the rural village of Qwaqwa.
Speaking at the event, expressed appreciation to have been invited to be part of celebration at Bophelo Daycare Crèche in Makeneg Qwaqwa to commemorate Nelson Mandela International day, which was celebrated on July18, 2024.
“This is my second time in this lovely area of Qwaqwa, the engagement with you has been so warm and encouraging.Thank you very much for your warm reception. As Mandela once said ‘Our children are our greatest treasure . They are our future, those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation’.”
“ECD programmes undertaken by the Department of Education and then department of Social Development serve as a meaniful in this respect. Today we are honoured to be part of the involvement and to express the small token of love and care by donating blankets to the daycare center. It will bring warmth and comfort to children who are in need.
“We always believe we are living in a global village and one community with a shared future. We need to help each other, and it is walking hand in hand to build better future. Today we have the honour to have the esteemed MEC (Dr Mamiki Maboya) with us to share this strong commitment of working together to strength the traditional friendship.”
Consul General of China in Johannesburg Qingjiang Pan commemorating International Mandela day at Bophelo Day Care Center in Makeneng village in Qwaqwa.
Outlining strong ties between South Africa and China, he said the two nations’ friendship has travelled a long time and has defied the obstacles of mountains and oceans.
He also thanked MEC Dr Maboya for her kind words of appreciating the gifts while promising that they would like to do more.
In appreciation of the gifts on behalf of the children, Dr Maboya shared the importance of the gifts especially toys to the growing children.
“Children need to play; these toys have lot of education. Do not take lightly. Those mattresses must be used for sleeping they, must sleep as part of growing up,” Maboya explained.
She also urged the community to jealously guard the gifts and ensure that they benefit the children.
The event was graced by presence of executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality who welcomed the guests, and the principal chief of Bakoena Morena e Moholo Moremoholo Mokoena.
