Birthday bash for pastor
Calvary Christian Church in Quigney, East London was packed with over 2,000 people who came from BCM and surrounding areas to celebrate the birthday of Reverend Mandla Makinana.
Makinana said he and his wife had spent previous birthdays with friends and family but decided this year to share the celebrations with the community.
“Our aim is to share with the people and to try to tighten relationship with our partners and communities who work with us to fight poverty. We give them important things they need such as blankets, food parcels, furniture, bury loved ones for free – for those who cannot afford it –and we also donate to schools,” said Makinana.
Makinana is founder of the Power of God International whose main branch is located in East London. He and his wife are also directors of Makinana Funerals, non-profit organisation Sakhululeka Isizwe, and the Kumkani Foundation.
Before the celebrations began, Makanina visited various children’s wards at Frere Hospital and Compo Town Educare Centre and presented them each with a R10,000 donation before heading to Calvary Christian Church for the main event.
Apostle Baloyi of Enlighten Christian Gathering in East London conducted the opening prayer while well-known SABC announcer Nomonde Vakalisa did duties as programmes director.
Minister of mineral resources Gwede Mantashe was guest speaker of the day. Other speakers included Zukiswa Rantho and members of both the families, Luvuyo Makinana, Mandla’s mother Nosithile Makinana and Bettie Klaas.
“I grew up in a poor family and rural area of the Eastern Cape. I was raised by a single parent after my father died. We grew up struggling. I dropped out of school to look for a job to raise my siblings. When I formed this organisation I was interested in helping and uplifting the lives of the people of South Africa. I am using my money to help the needy.
“I am looking forward in helping the disadvantaged. Our aim is to donate to schools, hospital and the needy,” Makinana
“For what Makinana is doing to our communities, I am so impressed and support those who help others in times of need. I will keep on supporting him,” said Mantashe.
Frere Hospital Senior manager Medical service, James Thomas, said: “It was a motivating event for people to donate for a good cause. Makinana donated for kids who live with cancer. We have about 11 children at present in the ward.
“The money he donated goes through the hospital board and will be used for only the kids who have cancer.”