Ekurhuleni and Veer Steel Donate for Children

City of Ekurhuleni together with Veer Steel Mills handed over donations valued at more than R110 000 to Thembisa Child Welfare.

This was in commemoration of International Nelson Mandela Day, held annually on 18 July across the globe. Due to a tight schedule, the hand over was moved to 2 August.  

The City’s MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Phaladi Mmoko, said corruption and greed add suffering to the already vulnerable communities.

“This is one of the biggest donations. There can be more that brings relief to more people but if it cannot be handled properly it will discourage others to donate. That will mean that those that are in need will continue to suffer. But if this can be handled properly, more will come forward with donations,” he said.

MMC Mmoko commended Veer Steel Mills for the donation that included groceries, home appliances and clothing. In addition, Veer Steel Mills will also give two bursaries for tertiary education for the children from the child welfare home.

Thembisa Child Welfare and Veer Steel Mills are in talks about the possibility of building a computer room as well. Siddicqa Hardev from Veer Steel Mills said that her company will offer permanent employment to at least 10 matriculants.

“This relationship is not only about what is happening today, but we will be looking at other needs of this home and what we can offer,” she said.

Thembisa Child Welfare Deputy Director Lindi Molefe thanked the City for securing help for the home and said the donation will spare it from buying groceries for at least six months.

“For the coming six months we will be able to divert our money to other necessities, like rates and services,” she said.

The home has 105 children in both its two sites – one in Kopanong Section and one in Phomolong in Thembisa.

Molefe said that last year the home had its first medical doctor who grew up in the home.

“We have good stories to tell. We have a lot of professionals who came through our home. Our main aim is to bring hope to our children. Some children come to us after they were abandoned or cast out by their families. When they come to us we have to resuscitate hope and self-confidence. Seeing them progress in life as adults is rewarding to us,” she said.

MMC Mmoko called on communities to work with homes like these in their areas and offer the needed help.