Ingrid Maredi, one of the leading philanthropists in Alexandra, has displayed unprecedented generosity by donating the surplus of her own donations to the needy children of Emfundisweni Primary School and their families.
“She is an outstanding human being. Others would have been selfish and kept the donations, but she has shown unprecedented generosity and decided to donate her own donations to others in need,” said one of the foster parents who came to receive the food parcels. She cannot be named for fear of revealing the identity of the child.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Alex News soon after the delivery of the food parcels, Maredi, founder of Ratang Bana, which has its home in Ext 7, said the school had selected 10 families of orphaned children who will be getting monthly food parcels from her organisation.
She said, “I have asked the grannies and other caregivers of the orphaned children to come to Ratang Bana and help out in the extensive food garden we run so they can also benefit from the abundant vegetables.
“I am asking them to come and help out so they do not sit and fold their arms and open a begging bowl, but get to do something to help out as well in order to receive more assistance themselves.
“We want to fulfill the ambition of the government to eradicate poverty and food insecurity in our community and hence I established the food garden for that purpose.”
Maredi said when it comes to children, she will answer whatever call, as long as it is within her abilities. “We love children at Ratang Bana and we will never be selfish with food parcels in the face of need.”
Deputy principal, Phumzile Njapa, said the school was grateful for her generosity. “Ingrid has promised to help the school develop its own vegetable garden by supplying us with seeds and manure.
“We’re delighted that our school will be green soon, all because of her generosity, whom we have worked closely with for a number of years and always answers our SOS [save our souls] calls for help.”
Details: Tamary Hlongwane 011 058 1853; 073 268 7666.
