Sunninghill Park a wonderland for Thembisa children

A number of organisations came together in Sunninghill to make the wishes of children come true: to play in a park and have a fun day.

July 4, 2022

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Dennis Rasekgela plays with one of the children at Sunninghill Park. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Children from Thembisa got their Mandela Day wish at Sunninghill Park on July 16 thanks to a number of sponsors and organisations involved.

Close to 130 children from Ehlanzeni Informal Settlement in Thembisa spent a sunny Saturday in Sunninghill Park, where Hope Ridge Church volunteers and community members showered the children with love. The park was decorated with jumping castles, face-painting stations and party packs for the children.

Riona Rajcoomar of Stewart Physiotherapy helps a child with her juice box. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

The event was organised by Sunninghill Recovery Lodge and Hope Ridge Church. Dennis Rasekgela, who is part of the Bana Ba Kgotso (Children of Peace) project, thanked everyone involved for their support on the day. “All of these children came here with smiles on their faces. No one was crying or scared, and we thank the Sunninghill community for welcoming us to their area today,” she said.

Sunninghill Ratepayers Association chairperson, Linda Gildenhuys and Ann-Magret McKerrell at Sunninghill Park for Mandela Day. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Volunteers played various games with the children, while music filled the park. Community members were also entertained by two drum majorette performances by the Thembisa children.

Ann-Magret McKerrell of Hope Ridge Church said some of the businesses and organisations that got involved included KFC, Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, Stewart Physiotherapy and the South Africa National Blood Service.

Thembisa’s drum majorettes enjoy their time at Sunninghill Park. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“Lots of people in the community could also contribute R67 for their lunches. We’ve been in partnership with Dennis for the last 10 years, and have been raising funds for them,” McKerrell said.
“We also are assisting an organisation in Alex called Ratang Bana (Love Children) that looks after child-headed households.”

Drum majorettes from Thembisa get the crowd going in Sunninghill Park. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Sunninghill Ratepayers Association chairperson Linda Gildenhuys also enjoyed the morning’s festivities with the community and was pleased with the turnout.
She thanked everyone for their involvement on the day and said it was wonderful to see many residents and organisations lending a helping hand where they could.