Entrepreneurs give back to local children

The local businessmen and -women gave up their time to cook, entertain and motivate these young minds.

Speaking on behalf of these owners, Xolani Mthiyane from the Sokhulu Driving School said they offered to cook for and donate to the children after hearing Child Welfare was doing something for them during this week.

“What touched us the most was the fact that most of these children are without parents, which is why we couldn’t resist and offered our help.

“As driving-school owners from Tsakane, Brakpan, Boksburg we then offered to cook breakfast and lunch for over 200 of these children.

“Furthermore we organised some fun activities for them, so they could be entertained,” he said.

Apart from this donation, these big-hearted entrepreneurs plan to each adopt a child in the form of providing for their basic needs and essentials.

“The plan is for each school to help out at least one child with school uniforms and other necessities because they need our help.

“As a parent I have children who no longer have their mother, so I would hope other people would do the same for them when I am gone.

“We will also be making a plea to community members and business people to donate clothing and blankets which can assist these children further,” he said.

Each of the driving schools also pledged to assist the 17- and 18-year-olds belonging to the organisation with getting driver’s licences for free.

Office manager of the Tsakane and Geluksdal Child Welfare, Melinda Cupido explained their main focus is the protection of orphaned and vulnerable children, those who are infected with HIV/Aids and child-headed households.

They also place children in foster homes. Some of their other children are awaiting foster care placement.

“From July 11 to 15, we planned a school holiday programme to show our children some love, to educate and entertain them while also giving them a platform to show off their talents.

“Fortunately, on Wednesday we were joined by our local driving-school owners, who have been awesome, hence we thank them for their support,” she said.

Supervisor at Child Welfare, Kumbi Mugore added that since the children needed life skills and career guidance, they invited the EMPD, Department of Health, SANCA, DEMS and the Themba Foundation to address the youth on various topics and to motivate them.

He also thanked the foster parents who had availed themselves to assist over the week.

“We have a lot of children and cases but due to lack of resources, it sometimes becomes difficult fulfilling our duties.

“For this reason, we ask for our community and local businesses to assist us with any form of donations that can help us in improving our services or helping these 0 to 18-year-olds further,” he said.

For more information contact Cupido or Mugore on 011 738 8632.