Mabaila Foundation honours World War II veterans
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday August 30, 2017 17:35
The ceremony, which attracted a number of senior citizens, was held at Khudiring ward Kgotla in Mogoditshane yesterday.
Giving an overview, the president and founder of the foundation, Tshephang Mabaila said the gesture will go some way towards healing old wounds and to recognise them.
Mabaila stated that even though all of the 10 veterans have lost their lives there is a need to look and reflect on the sacrifices made by the selfless men living their families behind.
He said despite they being no more, he found it right to recognise the fallen heroes by honouring their wives. The wives received certificates and blankets.
He called upon people to avoid war and cherish peace whilst looking back at the World War II era.
“These women supported their husbands who gave their lives during World War II to defend freedom and justice of mankind against aggression hence the need to show them that appreciation,” Mabaila said.
He said the ceremony will go a long way in educating the future generation of the sacrifices made by the forefathers.
He said their contribution and participation led to the end of the war hence today the world celebrates their participation as it brought the war to an end. The foundation also donated spectacles to 15 elderly people of Khudiring ward at the cost of P51,200 thus helping them to regain their vision.
In an interview, Mabaila said as the founders of the nation, the elders, must be supported and celebrated in every way possible. He stated that the World Health Organisation Vision 2020, advocates for individuals not to lose their sight. He said one of their roles is to ensure that elders were provided with quality health hence the idea of donating spectacles.
He noted that the elderly have contributed to the nation during their times, and that they need to be supported in their old age. He vowed to continue helping the elders countrywide not in Mogoditshane only.
Mabaila revealed that the Foundation has also contributed a lot in the past in the education sector in the area.
Giving a keynote address, the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigela commended the Foundation for the good gesture, reiterating the same sentiments that elders should be taken care of and supported in every way possible. Madigela applauded the youth-led foundation who are keen to help the elderly. He said the veterans’ wives supported their husbands who fought for peace and freedom hence necessary to be honoured.
He congratulated the Foundation for contributing a lot to schools in the past, stating that government alone cannot respond to the challenges that schools are currently faced with.
Madigela pleaded with parents to come up with ways of helping learners as well as encouraging them to take their studies serious in responding to a knowledge-based society.