This morning, Minister of Social Development Ms Bathabile Dlamini personally delivered a donation to Sinothando Educare Centre in Khayelitsha, Western Cape. The Minister was accompanied by senior managers from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Khayelitsha development forum and local community leaders.
The Minister’s decision to make the donation to Sinothando Educare Centre was prompted by her visit to the centre last week Thursday during the Ministerial outreach programme and she was struck by the plight of children.
"We all have a responsibility towards our children and we must stand together and recognise the plight and needs of our children to make a difference in their lives”, said Minister Dlamini at the handover ceremony.
“We are approaching winter and this donation is just a small comfort towards the children at the centre. It humbles me to make this small donation towards the well being of children” she added.
Sinothando is a non-profit organisation that provides care and support services to vulnerable children in Khayelitsha and the surrounding areas. Some of the children are disabled and others are HIV positive. The children are placed at the under the care of Mrs Violet Ntshona by social workers. The centre operates from Mrs Ntshona’s four bedroom house which she shares with members of her family.
The Minister promised that the situation at the centre will receive her utmost attention and praised Mama Ntshona and community volunteers for their work.
“In my capacity as a national Minister of Social Development I will be raising this issue with relevant officials at both national and provincial level to ensure this centre receive necessary government support’, said the Minister
“I must pay tribute to Mama Ntshona who worked tirelessly and in a voluntary capacity to provide love, care and support to vulnerable children in Khayelitsha. This significant and admirable work done by Mama Ntshona and community volunteers must not be ignored. It is only right that caring people like Mama Ntshona receive necessary support from government”, said Minister Dlamini.
Minister Dlamini indicated that the donation will provide short term relief to meet the basic needs of children and that a long term plan will be developed to serve the best interest of children.
Enquiries:
Abram Phahlamohlaka
Cell: 082 928 6590
Source: Department of Social Development
