Zululand Observer - Weekender

Polo drivers steer charity drive to improve their image

- Conelia Harry

TWO Zululander­s have launched an NPO with the aim of making a difference in communitie­s and changing the negative stereotype­s around Polo drivers.

This weekend will see Polo drivers from across the City of uMhlathuze and surroundin­g areas join forces to support Muzi Sibiya and Sakhile Mlambo's Senza Ushitho Polo Crew, which has been helping needy families with groceries since June.

They will gather on Saturday at the Mzingazi sport ground from 10am for the Polo crew launch.

According to the secretary, Fikhile Mnguni, the idea was born after Sibiya and Mlambo met at the roadside when they stopped to admire each other's Polos.

"Soon afterwards, Sibiya and Mlambo had their first meeting and identified their first beneficiar­y," said Mnguni.

"Muzi began recruiting Polo drivers, and members joined by donating towards the purchase of food parcels.

"We have made contact with local supermarke­ts and Boxer was our first donor, while our members continue donating between R200 and R500 a month.

"As the need grew, we decided to launch the NPO and invite more businesses and community members to support.

"While the launch is taking place in Mzingazi, we assure the community we are supporting families across the city,

mainly pensioners taking care of their grandchild­ren and without any source of income.

"We have also included seedlings in our donations to the pensioners so they can start their own vegetable gardens to sustain themselves.

"We want to change the negative talk about Polo drivers, and will include a

prayer ahead of the festive season for all motorists travelling during this period.

"We invite the community to join us at the launch where we will collect donations and provide an entertainm­ent line-up for drivers to meet, greet and mingle," said Mnguni.

For more informatio­n, contact contact 073 2211422 or 076 4236627.

 ?? ?? Senza Ushitho Polo Crew handing over groceries to Baba Gumede from Manzamnyam­a area
Senza Ushitho Polo Crew handing over groceries to Baba Gumede from Manzamnyam­a area
 ?? ?? Senza Ushitho Polo Crew chairperso­n Muzi Sibiya
Senza Ushitho Polo Crew chairperso­n Muzi Sibiya

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