Local businessman and NGO partner to assist the needy

Local businessman Given Muhlarhi continues to give back to the Germiston community.

The Given the Giver campaign, in partnership with the African Children’s Feeding Scheme and Community Education (ACFS), visited Dukathole and Goodhope informal settlement to donate 500 food parcels on Thursday.

Muhlarhi said he understands the challenges disadvantaged communities are facing during lockdown and wanted to help those in need.

“I started with a shoe drive before the lockdown began.

“I was visiting schools in Ekurhuleni, and when the lockdown started we still saw a need to help the less fortunate.

“When ACFS approached me about the donations I had been making and asked me to partner with them I was pleased because their work is in line with my love for helping people,” said Muhlarhi.

He said people need to come together in these difficult times.

“The government is doing its part, but this is different territory and everyone is doing their best.

“If one is able to bridge a gap government is failing to mend then we need to do so.

“Communities need to identify the needy in their midst and try to help them,” said Muhlarhi.

ACFS programmes manager Sakhile Zungu said they partnered with Muhlarhi after seeing what he was doing in the community.

“We work predominantly in the marginalised townships and informal settlements of Soweto and Alexandra, and Thembisa and Tsakane on the East Rand, supporting approximately 16 000 children and their families directly with prepared meals and/or food parcels.

“However, since the pandemic we have broadened our areas. One thing is clear, the poor will be most affected and in many cases have no options to respond to the virus as some of our privileged communities do”

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“ACFS is an NPO that focuses on combating malnutrition among poor children and marginalised townships in Johannesburg.

“ACFS recognises that in order for children to do well holistically, they require a multi-pronged approach that includes early learning and stimulation and educational support interventions.

“The multi-dimensional impact of poverty on children and communities is clear, and that in order to change the trajectory of children’s lives it was imperative that the organisation begins to address the educational deficits that exist in each home and community,” said Zungu.

ACFS executive director Bertha Magoge said they are pleased to be able to give to the Germiston community and said this is the beginning of new things.

“We are happy to be able to come into the community and assist with food parcels.

“Our disadvantaged communities are in dire need of help.

“We hope to continue providing our services in this community,” said Magoge.

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