POLOKWANE – In line with the legacy of Nelson Mandela to see children not suffering, PP Light marketing, events and communications handed out hampers and groceries to Maatla a Sechaba Drop-in Centre as part of their Mandela Day activities on Saturday.
The team also prepared a cake to celebrate the day and donated groceries to the value of R26 000.
Patty Kgobe, PP Light CEO, donated 32 gift packs including a money box with R50 inside, educational toys, gloves, cosmetics, snacks, a ball, matches, candles, hoola hoops, a globe and 32 happy meals from McDonalds.
She said the company adopted the drop-in cenre in 2011 as part of giving back to the community and that children were close to her heart.
Kgobe said she took it upon herself to be a mother to these orphans and vulnerable children.
“It helps me sleep at night when I know that I have fed a child. When I look at these children I see stars, future leaders because poverty is a temporary situation,” she said.
She added that she was trying to find land where she could build a proper centre for the children.
Wisani Mashamba, PP Light chief operation officer, said moments like these evoked emotions, especially seeing children whose parents died due to HIV/aids.
“When you die, people won’t remember you for what you owned, but will remember you by the lives you touched and changed. It is important to touch someone’s life while you still have the opportunity to do so,” he said.
“PP Light is a company with a purpose, light reveals things you could not see, just like the bright future of these children that no one can see now. When you educate a child, you educate a nation,” he added.
William Tema, the founder of the centre, said his poor background inspired him to open this centre, where children would at least have a meal after school and be assisted with schoolwork.
“I know how painful it is to go to bed on a hungry stomach. Patty is an angel sent from above, she is always stepping in whenever we need something,” he said. He further explained that they would like to operate during weekends and school holidays, and he appealed to anybody who could assist with donations to do so.
The MEC social development, Joyce Mashamb, and her husband George graced the event towards the end of the programme.
“On behalf of Nelson Mandela, we say thank you for the good job. It may seem difficult at times, but things will shape up and fall into place. Keep up the good work,” she said.
The attendees danced with joy and wrapped up the day by singing happy birthday to Tata Madiba as Kgobe cut the cake. The caregivers were also presented with gifts as a gesture of appreciation.
