MBOMBELA – On Saturday, Kabokweni Township will be transformed into the world famous, spectacular fun fair destination – Disney World, as part of a local businessman’s birthday celebrations.
All this thanks to the philanthropic, Nelspruit born global business entrepreneur Robert “Mr G” Gumede, who started working from the early age of seven in order to supplement the meagre domestic worker salary earned by his mother and granny.
Gumede is a proud former after school ou-klere salesman, gardener, golf caddy, petrol attendant and bus conductor.
Gumede, his family foundation (The Robert Gumede Family Keni Foundation) and his Guma Group of Companies have held an annual event, the Guma Family Weekend, over his birthday period 09th August, for the past 12 years.
The annual family and business event is an integral part of Gumede’s strong belief in family values where he invites business Captains of industry, his clients, partners and staff, together with their families to have a fun-filled weekend together.
Last year, Guma celebrated it’s 15 years anniversary whilst Gumede celebrated his 50th birthday in true Gumede style where he hosted over 8 000 primary school kids at Kanyamazane Stadium and entertained them with various games and rides, that are only enjoyed once a year by those who can afford it at the Lowveld Show or Innibos in Nelspruit.
The kids’ party will include over 10,000 kids from the various townships and villages who would not have experienced the fun games and rides during their childhood.
There will be a feast of fruits, juices, lunch, ice cream, sweets, candi floss as well as entertainment galore and fun fair rides and games for a once in a lifetime experience to the primary school kids.
On the night of the event, the evening sky of Kabokweni Township will be lit by a timeless spectacular display of the world’s best fireworks. A first of its kind in a township and the Kabokweni public should prepare themselves for a night to remember.
“My husband Robert Gumede through our family foundation named after his late mother Keni Mahlalela, who lived in Ngodini (Kabokweni), will at the same event celebrate the graduation from universities of some of the scholars who received our annual full scholarships/bursaries.
Some of the current Mpumalanga Province students bursary recipients who are still studying at various universities in the country will also attend the event,” said Dr Portia Gumede