Emalahleni Mayor Visits Glen Grey, Indwe, Dordrecht Hospitals

Mayor Spreads Christmas Cheer With Gifts for Newborn Babies and Patients

The Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Councillor Nontombizanele Koni, spent Christmas Day bringing comfort and festive cheer to families and patients at local healthcare facilities across the municipality.

Accompanied by the Acting Municipal Manager, councillors and municipal officials, the Mayor visited three health facilities on 25 December as part of a special outreach programme focused on newborn babies and patients receiving care during the festive season.

Visits Across Three Hospitals

The programme commenced in the morning at Glen Grey Hospital in Cacadu, before continuing to Indwe Hospital and later Dordrecht Hospital during the day. At each facility, gifts were presented to babies born on Christmas Day, while fruit packs were distributed to patients in the wards.

The visits aimed to show care and solidarity with families welcoming new life on Christmas Day, as well as patients who were unable to spend the holiday at home with their loved ones.

Warm Reception From Communities and Staff

The gesture was warmly received by the recipients, including mothers of newborn babies, patients, and healthcare workers at all three facilities. Hospital management teams also expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that such initiatives help uplift morale during a demanding period for health services.

For many families, the Mayor’s visit added a meaningful human touch to what is often an emotional and challenging day, particularly for those spending Christmas in hospital.

A Growing Festive Tradition

This marked the second consecutive year that Emalahleni Local Municipality has undertaken a Christmas Day outreach programme of this nature. According to the municipality, the initiative has become an important part of its festive season activities, aimed at promoting compassion, dignity and community support.

The municipality has confirmed that the programme will continue, with a similar visit planned for 1 January 2026, extending the gesture of care to families and patients welcoming the new year in healthcare facilities.

Supporting Care Beyond the Festive Season

Municipal officials highlighted that while Christmas and New Year’s Day hold special significance, the broader objective remains ongoing support for local healthcare institutions and the communities they serve.

The Christmas Day visits served as a reminder of the importance of leadership presence, especially during moments that carry deep emotional meaning for families and communities across Emalahleni Local Municipality.