Naval Station Port Elizabeth does its best for Mandela Day Article by CPO Byron Lombard. Photos by CPO Byron Lombard and AB Michael McKelvey Enquiries: 021 787 4697

Naval Station Port Elizabeth (NSPE) paid tribute to Nelson Mandela by committing itself to the theme of Mandela Day “Take Action, Inspire Change and Make everyday a Mandela Day” on 18 July.

NSPE identified the Diana Davis Pre-School in Walmer Location in Port Elizabeth. Walmer location has been in the headlines lately regarding service delivery issues that still have not been resolved. The naval unit decided to attend to the community of Walmer location. Many of the children that go school to Diana Davis have only one meal per day and that is at school. The school accommodates approximately 120 children ranging between the ages of 3 and 6 years. It has a staff of 7 dedicated women that look after these children and educate them in preparation for primary school. Mrs Jessy Lukwe, principal of Diana Davis Pre-School was very excited to have the SA Navy visit them on Mandela day.

One of NSPE's members helping a child to get along on a scooter

NSPE joined forces with the EC group to make a least one day in their live memorable. Due to the inconsistent weather in the Eastern Cape, plans had to change and they moved from painting the play areas outside to serving each and every one of them a warm meal. The day started off with chopping, chopping and more chopping to make pots of warm soup.

Star chefs PO Erasmus and AB Ndawule silenced the bubbly children when they served them with a delicious warm bowl of soup and a few slices of bread. The teachers seemed out of their comfort zone whilst observing all the activities, because they are usually responsible for preparing the meals. Dessert was a selection of fruits. Members of the NSPE and the EC Group cleaned up the outside area of the school by cutting grass and doing a “chicken” parade. But by far the most rewarding time of the day was spending time playing with the children who will be the leaders of the future.

At the end of a very busy day they thanked the NSPE and EC group for joining them in a very memorable day and the teachers expressed hope that the SA Navy will return next year. As a parting gift sweet packets were made up for the children to enjoy at home.

Mrs Jessy Lukwe said she was speechless when she saw what was done for the children and it will be something she will never forget.

Gallery

AB Ben bringing join to the little ones	AB Ben leading the kid to the swing and jungle gym	AB Hendricks handing out sweet packets to the kids	AB Hendricks on grass cutting detail	AB Horne consoling a crying child
AB Horne with some very camera happy kids	AB Mckelvey is swamped by the little ones	AB Moagi handing out oranges to the excited little ones	AB Mostert has a problem here	AB Ndawule and his new friends
AB Ndawule cooking up a hot pots of soup	CPO Kgomo playing in the sandpit that was revived in the day	CPO playing with the kids	Doing their bit AB Horne , AB McKelvey and AB Fumbeza	Enjoying a warm meal
Executive Officer of NSPE SLt Hector has hes hands full	Happy and satisfied	How could you resist these happy faces?		Listening with full attention
Mandela Day! Yay!	NSPE top chefs PO Erasmus and AB Ndawule	Playing in the revived sand	Savouring the moment	Senior rates cleaning the gardens
Smiles all round	The kids entertaing us with drill exercise	The taste testers	We did this all for them