Mariam Makeba Centre for Girls to undergo refurbishment on Mandela Day

In a bid to ensure that its doors are opened again to abused girls, Mariam Makeba Centre for Girls is requesting a helping hand from Midrand residents and business people.

The President Park-based centre was founded in 2011 by Dr Miriam Makeba to provide a home for destitute and abused girls between the ages of 11 and 18 years. However, according to the centre’s chairperson Thato Mokhothu, the home was closed down in 2018 by the Department of Social Development due to mismanagement by the previous board

Mokhothu said as part of Mandela Day, they planned to clean, paint and revamp the centre inside and out but to do that they needed the community’s support to achieve their goal.

“We are in the process of working together with social development department to open the centre once again. The fear of having Mama’s [Makeba] dream or legacy dying with her is what triggered the thought to have the centre revamped,” said Mokhothu.

She asked companies to ‘adopt a space’ for the refurbishing which would include the library, office, kitchen, bedrooms, study area and reception.

Asked how much it would mean to have the centre re-opened she said, “I would have revived Mama’s dream and legacy. And for me, it will mean I have fulfilled my purpose as a chairperson by providing the girls with a safe and healthy environment.”

Mokhothu said they would welcome donations of paint, cleaning materials, lunch and refreshments to ensure the day goes as planned.

Meals on Wheels will provide meals for the volunteers on the day.

Details: Thato Mokhothu 072 246 5072, thatomokhothu@gmail.com

Related articles:

Community members help revamp Miriam Makeba Centre for Girls