In an effort to address some of the challenges that are faced by people with disabilities, Kusile Power Station Project in partnership with Nkangala District Municipality continued the festivities honouring people with disabilities in eMalahleni Local Municipality.
On Wednesday, December 5 following the International Disability Rights awareness month that is commemorated annually between November 3 and December 3, Kusile Power Station visited some centres.
Executive mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Sarah Masilela, executive mayor of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Linah Malatjie and Kusile Power Station Project Stability Manager, Mr Mphathiwezwe Nkabinde with some of the beneficiaries who received food vouchers at Ka-Nala.
Ms Lerato Marule, Communications Department Group Capital Division, Kusile Power Station Project said that the festivities were kicked off at Ka-Nala at Thubelihle Community Hall where 100 destitute families were awarded food vouchers to ensure that this coming Christmas will not be a gloomy one for the people of eMalahleni.
“We are blessed to have everyone’s presence today to celebrate the people of this great place. We are here with Eskom bearing gifts for the locals to show appreciation and the love we have for our people” said executive mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Sarah Masilela who was evidently happy to be giving back to the community that helped raise and groom her.
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“The event was so fulfilling and heart-warming and was closed off with a beautiful performance by Izinsingisi zezulu a cultural group who danced their hearts out entertaining the audience,” stated Ms Marule.
The delegation then proceeded to Witbank Primary School where the staff members were eagerly gathered in the hall for a handover ceremony of 34 refurbished ablution facilities and the supply and installation of three 1 000 litre water tanks.
“Through the Kusile Power Station Corporate Social Investment (CSI) office this project was identified and renovations came at a perfect time to relieve the school of the terrible conditions the learners had to endure daily since the beginning of the year,” said Ms Marule. During the symbolic handover the deputy principal, Mr Trevor Van der Berg expressed gratitude for the exceptional work that has been done that will surely restore dignity to the learners. He further expressed how bad the condition were before the renovations and how it was such a challenge for the learners who could not use the toilets and had to wait to go home. “The much needed renovations were undeniably a blessing for the school,” added Ms Marule.
The last stop was at Kwa-Guqa Disabled Centre for a handover ceremony of the following equipment: Jojo tanks, a stove and the supply and installation of kitchen cupboards.
“Kwa-Guqa Disabled Centre was established in 1986 and seeks to cultivate an accessible and inclusive community where students with permanent and temporary disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of a student’s life,” explained Ms Marule.
The Centre Manager, Ms Jeanette Nkosi warmly welcomed the delegation led by the executive mayor of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Linah Malatjie. Ms Nkosi being a product of the centre clearly validated the amazing work the centre is doing for people with disabilities by how well she spoke during her welcoming address radiating such grace and confidence,” concluded Ms Marule.
Executive mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Sarah Masilela, executive mayor of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Linah Malatjie, Kusile Power Station Project Communications Manager, Ms Khululiwe Xulu and Witbank Primary School Principal, Mr Herbst during the handover of the three water tanks. (Picture supplied)
This was followed by an address from Cllr Malatjie who was beaming with gratitude and expressed her passion for socio economic initiatives.
“Today we are happy to unveil projects that were started a while ago with the main aim of improving the standards of living of the people of eMalahleni. We are here to serve our communities and trust that we will continue to stand in solidarity with our partners such as Eskom to ensure that we reach out to the people.”
Executive mayor of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Linah Malatjie, Kusile Power Station Project Communications Manager, Ms Khululiwe Xulu, Kwa-Guqa Disabled Centre Manager, Ms Jeanette Nkosi and a representative from the Department of Health and some members of the centre. (Picture supplied)
Representing Kusile Power Station management was the Communications Manager, Ms Khululiwe Xulu who emphasised Eskom’s commitment to not only focus on the core business which is providing electricity to the nation but also to look after the surrounding communities and ensure that the lives of the people are improved through CSI initiatives.
