Pretoria - Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga had a dramatic start on Mandela Day in Winterveld when he was disrupted by some ANC members from handing out toys to preschool kids.
Msimanga had just arrived at Sinethemba preschool in the township when he was suddenly confronted by a group of young men.
They complained that their ward councillor was not informed about Msimanga's visit, questioning how the mayor could embark on a programme in the community without their consent.
Msimanga was forced to leave early and headed to New Eersterus in Hammanskraal, where he interacted with elderly citizens at Rekgonne Old Age Centre.
The elderly people sang songs that praised the late President Nelson Mandela.
Msimanga showered them with gifts of toiletries, sang and danced with them.
They were also served lunch with the mayor lending a hand.
Msimanga told the elderly that Mandela has taught people the importance of respect.
"Mandela once said that if you are a nation that can not take care of its children and the vulnerable you are a lost nation. The same as us if we can forget about you the elderly then we are going nowhere," Msimanga said.
He encouraged them to make every day a Mandela Day.
"What brought us here is to remember the good deeds that our esteemed leader Nelson Mandela had done," Msimanga said.