Councillor’s gifts bring joy on Freedom Day

ABOUT 70 disadvantaged pupils from schools in East London were given a reason to smile on Freedom Day when Buffalo City Metro ward councillor Kuhle Ciliza donated new school uniforms and shoes at the Bashe Old Age Home in Duncan Village on Friday.

Joy and excitement were evident on the faces of both parents and pupils from Duncan Village, Pefferville and Braelyn, who filled the hall.

The pupils, from grades R to Grade 7, were selected from three communities that fall under Ciliza’s ward 1.

Ciliza dug deep in her own pocket and spent R20 000 on the uniforms and bags.

“When I became a councillor, I pledged that the money I receive from the municipality, I will share it with the people under my ward.”

Ciliza said she found it fitting to put smiles on those less fortunate on Freedom Day.

“I felt the need to make them feel special on this day. I saw that there are many disadvantaged youth in this community and it has had a negative impact on their freedom.

“Most parents in this area are subject to alcohol and poverty, meaning their children will not have access to a lot of important things,” she said.

The children from Bape Preschool and Pefferville Preschool were given new shoes and schoolbags while 10 uniforms were donated to primary schools for pupils from different areas.

Unemployed single parent, Xoliswa Joubert, could not hide her excitement when her son, who is in Grade 2, received new school shoes and a schoolbag.

“This has helped us a lot. I don’t know what I would have done had this not happened. The fact that she takes it out of her own pocket shows that she really cares for the poor,” said a jubilant Joubert.

Grandmother Thozama Torris of Bashe in Duncan Village, said she hoped the event would continue after her granddaughter was given new school shoes.

“This is the right path and we as the community applaud what is happening. I hope it can continue for more years to come.”

This is not the first time Ciliza has given donations. In 2016, she held two Christmas parties for the elderly and needy children. She could not rule out the possibility of another initiative to help needy pupils.

“I feel like I need to give back to the people. If another opportunity arises I will use it. This clearly won’t be the last time,” she said. —