A kind act goes a long, long way

The Gauteng 10111 centre members visited Bakgethwa Orphan Centre in Ivory Park Ext 2 on 1 September and donated food, clothes and detergents.

Bakgethwa is a non-profit organisation which accommodates six children between the ages of three and 20. It also supports 60 children in the community with meals every Tuesday and Thursday.

The orphan centre, which does not have sponsors or funding, was opened in 2012 and one of the main challenges it faces is having enough food for all the children.

On busy days, the centre is assisted with meals from six volunteers.

Matankie Makhete, the founder of the orphan centre, said she was abused as a child. She added that her father kicked her out of the house and forced her to marry a man she had been sold to, but the marriage did not go well and she left.

This is why she opened the centre so that other young people do not have to suffer as much as she did, as there was no help available in the community at the time.

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Bakgethwa has applied for land in Johannesburg, which is yet to be approved. The land will mean Makhete can build a facility big enough to accommodate more children in need.

“The visit was appreciated and we feel inspired to continue to play a role in the community by visiting centres such as these and assisting where we can,” said Gauteng 10111 centre spokesperson, Pinky Tsinyane.

Tsinyane thanked all the members for the contributions and for availing themselves on the day.

Midrand Reporter challenges you to donate or volunteer at a non-profit organisation, make a short video and post it on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page with a message to encourage the community to play a role in uplifting others

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