This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet has called on all South Africans to pray for ailing former president Nelson Mandela.
She says the ruling party still needs Madiba's wisdom in ensuring the emancipation of of people from poverty, unemployment and inequalities.
Kiviet also appealed for prayers for the ANC as it holds its 53rd National Conference in Mangaung, saying it should look at its policies to improve the lives of the people.
"We still look up to Madiba for inspiration and every day we work to ensure we leave to his ideals of being a caring and loving nation, which is non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous," she said.
Premier Kiviet said the Eastern Cape government started the Christmas gift programme in 2009 "with the aim of ensuring that identified poor families benefit and also enjoy the festive season like the rest of society."
"Since 2009 the programme has benefited thousands of families in our province who might have had a dark Christmas without this programme. This year alone we have invested over R1 500 000 million in the programme assisting over 900 families throughout the province. This is a drop in the ocean but it is making a difference to our poor families," she added.
The premier was speaking on Wednesday in the Chris Hani district where she handed Christmas gifts to 100 needy families.
