Gifts for HIV kids home on Aids Day
New violins, garden tools, groceries from ANC and the City of Tshwane.
The office of the chief whip of Tshwane donated violins and groceries to Leamogetswe Safety Home in Atteridgeville yesterday on World Aids Day. The home, which takes in abandoned, abused and HIV-infected children aged between one day and 24 years old, was also given garden tools and groceries by the leaders of the ANC Tshwane region. Most of the children who are there were brought in by police officers.
Tshwane chief whip Christo van den Heever said: “Today is a day of solemn remembrance of those we have lost to this virus and as we pay tribute to them, it is important to acknowledge the need for greater education about this killer.
“Awareness is the crucial first step to combating the spread of HIV and coupled with education, it plays a vital role in decreasing the rampant spread of the virus.”
After a violin performance of the national anthem by the orphans, the city donated new violins to them.
“Leamogetswe means ‘all are welcome’ and the centre indeed remains true to this as they have selflessly demonstrated by welcoming all children in need,” Van Den Heever added.
“It invokes a sense of pride in me to know that we have, in our city, people with such generous hearts.”
The home’s office assistant, Adolphina Phaladi, said the home had entered into a 30-year lease agreement with the city, but ownership of the land would better attract funders.
“We are hoping the city will also donate the land,” Phaladi said. “Sometimes, we struggle to get funding because some funders prefer ownership of land. Once they hear we don’t own it, they run away.
“Maybe this event will open doors for that to happen.” –