![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2017/12/ve.jpg)
Young local women entrepreneurs dedicated their time and resources to give a jubilant festive season to the children of Velile Empowerment Centre in Mandela Section.
Working hand in hand with the Ethiopian Association and other local businesses, such as WBHO and Izikhathi zokwenza, they donated groceries and food parcels and hosted an early Christmas party for the children.
This came after MS Simphiwe Mtsweni, Ms Thembi Mahlangu and Ms Simangele Monyane noticed the need of the centre and decided to ask for donations.
This was aimed at helping the outreach centre and to bring a smile to the faces of young victims.
The centre was established by Ms Sylvia Mbanjwa about seven years ago.
The victim empowerment centre is a safe haven for more than 30 needy children who have been chased from their homes, especially abused girls.
Ms Mahlangu, organiser of the event, said the goal was also to unite Africans and businesses in the area to show that despite the living conditions in Africa, Africans are united in love and peace.
“Love and care should be expressed on the entire continent, proving that we care for each other as our Lord Christ would have wanted.
“We are pleased with the support that we received from Ethoipian tuck-shop owners that proves that not all of the foreign nationals are corrupt and selling drugs.
“Some are very responsible and we appreciate WBHO and Izikhathi zokwenza.
“May God bless them and their businesses.”