Miriam Makeba Centre for Girls painted, more work still to be done
Miriam Makeba Centre for Girls chairperson Thato Mokhothu said what happened on Mandela Day was a good start in the direction to revive the Centre and Mama Makeba's legacy.
With lots of companies and organisations gracing the Miriam Makeba Centre for Girls in President Park on Mandela Day for their 67 minutes, more work remains to be done.
The centre is in a dilapidated state and on the day became a beehive of activity with people painting the walls. Some of the eager volunteers had travelled from as far as Mbombela in Mpumalanga to come and help.
Centre chairperson Thato Mokhothu said she was overwhelmed with the outcome and the positive response she had received, although this was only the beginning of revamping Mama Makeba’s legacy. “I have no words to explain how I feel.
“For us at the centre, this is still the beginning to ensure that we try our utmost best to revive Mama’s dream. The work that was done here today was only the beginning and a lot needs to be done to make sure that we fight the scourge of gender-based violence.”
She said she will be happy if they could revive Makeba’s dream and legacy of providing a safe and healthy living environment for abuse victims.
CorriSA executive director Petra Mitchell said as a local NPO, it was important to lend a helping hand to the centre to forge working relationships as they painted the centre’s entire swimming pool section.
“We are looking forward to working with the centre in the future. It is within our Midrand area and as CorriSA we just make sure that the centre re-opens for vulnerable girls. We want to make sure that we build a strong working relationship to ensure that it stays operational once opened.”
Meals on Wheels Community service, which provided food to the volunteers, has reached an agreement with the centre to occupy and use the agricultural portion of the centre.
Meals on Wheels CFO Effort Bhebhe said it was important to introduce everyone – especially young girls to become interested in farming. “One of our objectives is food security and skilled development through poverty alleviation. We believe in woman empowerment, focusing on girls. We are happy to be part of the organisation and use the garden that is here to ensure that we maintain the agricultural part.”
He said there were various initiatives in place to invite young people to come and see for themselves that the farming and agricultural sector is a fashionable way to make a living for themselves.
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