Outreach event for orphaned children
MTUBATUBA teen, Bhekabasembo Christian Mkhize is spreading a spirit of community service among his fellow teens as he seeks to improve the lives of the area’s impoverished.
‘My aim is to not stop celebrating Mandela Day because every day must be Mandela Day,’ said Bhekabasembo, who recently organised an outreach event at Ithembalesizwe Community Care Centre in Nkodibe.
‘I do what I can to motivate my younger friends to give to the poor, and to love others.
‘I am also teaching them that, while we cannot help everyone, everyone can help someone.’
In partnership with Banana Box Mtuba, Clicks, Roots Butcher and Nevada Spur, Bhekabasembo’s recently-launched Bhekabasembo Foundation, spent the day entertaining the children and providing them each with a hearty meal.
‘Nevada Spur made the day when they brought a surprise – a mascot to entertain the children.’
Without sufficient funding, Ithembalesizwe Community Care Centre is unable to feed all the orphans in its care, so relies on help from the community or local businesses.
‘The number of orphans they feed increases daily, which means they can now feed them only twice a week.’
Bhekabasembo said the care centre used to feed the orphans daily, but with the recent influx, their scant resources are under even more pressure. ‘Through my company
I am trying to get more businesses to donate on a regular basis.’