This weekend is not the same to those who are less fortunate in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Just to put a smile on someone’s face, mayor Fetsang Mokati-Thebe deemed it necessary to celebrated her birthday with more than 100 learners of Temogo, Reoleboge and Rorisang Special Schools as part of Mayoral outreach program. On Thursday, the mayor turned 47 and she decided to share her special day with special people. The programme started with Mayor’s visit with members of Executive Committee to paediatric ward of Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig where she met a new-born birthday pal, baby Tshiamologo and distributed toys to children at the ward.
Kgosi Godfrey Gasebone of Bakwena Ba Morare commended the municipality for celebrating Mayor’s birthday with the disabled. “Children who are living with disability are often forgotten and it is rare for them to be happy as they are now. This will go a long way in history that learners with disability were invited as honourable guests, entertained the Mayor on her birthday and display beautiful products they do at their schools through the skill programmes. As traditional leaders, we fully support the municipality and believe disability outreach will continue to reach other villages as well,” said Kgosi Gasebone in his message of support.
Mayor Mokati-Thebe committed the municipality’s support and partnership with the special schools. “We acknowledge challenges facing learners, educators and school governing bodies of these special schools. Hence we are here to celebrate with you because we know that it is difficult for parents to admit that our children are born with disability and therefore cause delay for basic remedial education offered by the schools. My overall message to learners is: You can achieve your dreams despite your disability”, said Mayor Mokati-Thebe.
Mayor Mokati-Thebe donated toiletries to the learners and sanitary towels to female learners before cutting the birthday cake and sharing it with them.
Disability desk is one of the Mayoral programs that form part of Special Projects portfolio committee. The committee also oversees programmes that include HIV/AIDS, gender, youth and the elderly desks.