By Buziwe Nocuze
- A deputy minister hands out food and blankets to 100 elderly people instead of having a birthday party.
- Grateful pensioners say the help comes at the right time after they have been spending money on grandchildren’s school needs.
Human Settlements deputy minister Tandi Mahambehlala spent her birthday on Thursday giving food parcels and blankets to elderly people in Crossroads, Cape Town.
She chose to help people in need rather than throw a party for herself.
“Every year during my birthday, I decide not to have a bash but rather to make a difference in the communities. Last year, I celebrated with matric top achievers in Khayelitsha by handing over laptops because I knew that it was one of the things they would use in varsity,” said Mahambehlala.
Though they planned for 50 people, 100 elderly residents showed up. The deputy minister made sure everyone got something.
“We couldn’t chase them away while they were still at the venue; we didn’t want to break their hearts,” said Mahambehlala.

She shared birthday cake with the pensioners. “We are where we are because of them. These people pray for us more than they prayed for themselves,” she said.
The help came at the right time for many elderly residents who spent their money on their grandchildren’s school needs.
“January is one of the toughest months of the year as we come from the festive season and we are broke. The food parcels will play a huge role as we don’t have money,” said Nomasonto Mntuyedwa.
Mthetheleli Nontwana was surprised by the gesture. “They only care about us when they want something. The deputy minister changed all of that. We will forever be grateful because we spent all our money buying school uniforms and stationery for our grandkids,” said Nontwana.
Pictured above: Deputy minister Tandi Mahambehlala celebrated her birthday with senior citizens in Crossroads, Cape Town.
Source: Supplied