AS MZANSI commemorates Mandela Day, homeless people from Mbombela in Mpumalanga dedicated their 67 minutes to cleaning the CBD.
The men and women were working together with the Hawks.
Wandile Ncongwane (36) from Witbank, who has been living on the streets for years, said they decided to take part in the activities because Nelson Mandela believed in change.
"We respect this day so much that we decided to dedicate our time and participate in today's activities. We must also be the change we want to see. Today, we committed ourselves to come and clean our town," he said.
Ncongwane also appealed to the government to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
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"When we started with drugs, we didn't know it would end up like this. We are appealing to the government to help us better our lives," he said.
Meanwhile, Nomcebo Mabaso (26) from Barberton, who has been living on the streets for five years now, said circumstances led her to leave her home and opt for the streets.
She said she is using this day to seek help in changing her situation in life.
"I am happy that I have decided to play my part in this year's Mandela Day commemoration. Maybe this is the day that will lead me to change my life," she said.
Mpumalanga Hawks spokeswoman, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said there would be more programmes involving drug addicts and homeless people.
