Giving back during Mandela Month
Duduza SAPS paying it forward with Letha Ithemba Elisha
July is Nelson Mandela Month and is the time for giving.
This is exactly what the Duduza SAPS did when they joined hands with non-profit organisation Letha Ithemba Elisha for a Mandela Month campaign.
The campaign saw a joint visit to Sibonisiwe Primary School on Tuesday, where they handed out meal packs to all learners at the school.
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“During this time where the whole country is grappling with Covid-19, this gesture was meant to promote safety and assist learners who may be facing food challenges at home,” explains Sgt Harry Manaka, spokesperson of Duduza SAPS.
The meal packs are donated by Rise Against Hunger.
Founder and director of Letha Ithemba Elisha Lucky Kgomo established the organisation to assist drug addicts in rehabilitation, skills development and integration in the community.
“We have workshops with social workers to prepare addicts for rehab.
“The number of nyaope addicts in our community keeps increasing.
“And now we seem to have more addicts waiting to be admitted into rehab centres than ever before,” says Kgomo.
During lockdown, Kgomo’s team has been preparing meals for addicts and the community.
“That is when I realised we can also help the learners who have gone back to school.
“My goal is to have enough food to supply all the primary schools in Duduza,” he explains.
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The team of volunteers observed social distancing and safety precautions.
The school’s management appreciated the efforts by the police and Letha Ithemba Elisha in bringing back hope to learners and their families in this time of uncertainty.
Kgomo, with the help of Duduza SAPS, also runs a soup kitchen every Tuesday.
“I am also grateful to the women who volunteer to cook.
“They come through on the coldest days, to serve the community,” he says.
He appeals to private businesses to assist in the programmes.
For more information, contact Kgomo on 068 275 6993.
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