Khulisa Social Solutions hosted its annual Midlands Community Achiever Awards, last Wednesday morning at Blackrock Casino.
During the course of the year, Khulisa has been involved in several community projects in Newcastle, Glencoe, Madadeni, oSizweni, Ladysmith, Wasbank and Dannhauser.
Through these projects, eight people were selected to be awarded.
Out of the eight finalists, three people were elected as the winners.
“Everyone is a winner though, as you have all made a positive contribution to our community,” said Paul Bushell from Khulisa.
While all the contenders truly enhanced their relevant communities through their actions, it was Ntombizodwa Khanyile who clinched the first place.
Ms Khanyile spearheads eLollipop Crèche in oSizweni.
eLollipop caters for the needs of the less fortunate children of oSizweni. The crèche opened after the death of Ms Khanyile’s father who had requested that she turn his home into a school for the township’s children. Since humble beginnings, it has grown extensively and now has a staff complement of 12 teachers for the 285 children.
Anita Shamase secured second place through her efforts in Dannhauser. She runs Othandweni Crèche, attended by 80 children and has a team of three teachers.
Like eLollipop Crèche, Khulisa is very involved in assisting Othandweni Crèche through workshop and early childhood development programmes.
Nompilo Sikhosana took third place. She leads Siyakhula Crèche in Wasbank.
The crèche, established in 2013, cares for 74 children. While it specialises in early childhood development, a mobile clinic of the Department of Health regularly services the community, a service initiated by the school’s management.
While the three winners were announced and awarded for their efforts, the remaining five nominees were also awarded for their work.
“We are here to acknowledge all these women who have taken the time to make a difference,” Mr Bushell concluded.
