Tiny tots feel the Madiba Magic

NELSON MANDELA Bay Tourism (NMBT) kicked off its two-part outreach programme in commemoration of Mandela day today with the ceremonial hand over of a R 15 000 cheque to the Linge Tots Development Centre in Kwazakhele. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) donated the much needed funds for infrastructural upgrades at the centre.

“I am overwhelmed but not surprised by the response from the people of Nelson Mandela Bay.  It was really great to see so many people making time to attend the hand-over this morning. A gentleman approached me on arrival and made a donation of R500, we also received clothes, toys milk and even a second hand television for the centre. Others came forward and offered services such as counseling while two teenage girls offered to donate their time to help around the centre after reading about our initiative on our website. Our Mandela Day initiative has been a huge success so far and we’re hoping to see as many, if not more, people at our second outreach on Friday in honour of Nelson Mandela,” said NMBT CEO, Mandlakazi Skefile, referring to the Sukume Museum and Cultural Centre in Walmer where the team will assist an HIV ladies support group to establish a vegetable garden from scratch.

 “I am so grateful for the donation as it will allow us to upgrade the bathroom facilities and playroom area. We are hoping that in time we would be able to create access to an outdoor play area in the back that will allow the kids to play outside in a safe and protected environment. I also want to thank everyone who came to offer their time to us, it means a lot to the children and us,” said founder of the centre, Fezeka Gawula.

“Linge Tots touched our hearts when we were introduced to the centre during the recent Wheelchair Wednesday campaign. The kids of Linge Tots deserve to be treated everyday as if it was Mandela Day and we are delighted that NMBT play a part in making the centre a better place for the kids and staff”, said NMBT marketing manager, Titus Chuene. He said that NMBT was in the process of identifying builders that would be able to assist with the necessary infrastructural upgrade.

The Linge Tots Development Centre provides therapy and basic pre-school education for physically and mentally challenged children between the ages of 0 to 12 years and currently caters for 30 children from the surrounding communities.