Dion Fabe and his wife Janine, coordinators of Hannah’s Place of Safety, in Westridge, opened their home for businesses and volunteers to come spend their 67 minutes for Mandela with the abandoned, neglected and abused babies, aged between birth and six, who pass through their doors. Hannah was one such baby but has since been adopted by the Fabes and is 12 years old.
Several organisations and individuals gave back on the day. Some donated toys, sanitary towels, food and clothes to the less fortunate.
Michaela Adonis, 21, from New Woodlands donated sanitary pads, school shoes and clothing to the House of Grace, a foster home for abused children in Lentegeur on Mandela Day, Thursday July 18. At the back, from left, are foster mom, Shirley Visagie, Michaela Adonis, 21, from New Woodlands, Dezahn Adolf, 2, Anita Petersen, 12, Abigail Lufile, 11, and in front are Jethro Lottering, 10, Devante Petersen, 5, Shaheeda Petersen, 10, and Tazmia Johannes, 4, all from Lentegeur.
Wendy Diener, from ENSafrica, speaks to pupils, from Little Penquins Educare in Beacon Valley, about the life of Nelson Mandela, who believed that children are our greatest treasure. Natasha Wagiet read a story with an anti-bullying message. The law firm, which has a pro bono office in Eastridge, chose to dedicate their 67 minutes for Nelson Mandela International Day on Thursday July 18.
Mitchells Plain Department of Social Development workers donated educational toys and started a garden at Heinz Park Educare in honour of Mandela Day on Thursday July 18. The department had collaborated with Buco, in Town Centre, to build a sand box, which was postponed because of the rain. Educare principal Sharon Coetzee said they had exceeded her expectations and were grateful for their service.
New Covenant Christian Churchs Ladies Ministry donated soft toys to the Victim Support Room at Mitchells Plain police station on Tuesday July 16, just ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day which is marked on July 18. The toys will be made available for young victims of crime who are brought to the police station. This was the start of a collaboration between the ministry and the Eastridge police stations Womens Network. It is also part of the many projects the network will be involved with during Mandela Month. Network member and police operation support commander Lieutenant Colonel Cleo Arnoldus said: We are very excited about this partnership opportunity and very appreciative of the generous gesture. Shirriane Thomas, from New Covenant Christian Church, in Beacon Valley, hands over soft toys to Sergeant Candice Williams, from Mitchells Plain police station. Pictured with them are Gail Izaks and Patricia Jacobs.