Organisation in need of funding
Anyone willing to make a donation may call Dumisane Radebe on 073 755 8025.
After noticing that the youth in Wattville had few social activities to take part in, Dumisane Radebe decided to start the Step Into Positivity Youth Initiative.
Radebe, along with Olipa Singino, Wendy Hlatshwayo and Sindi Tshabalala, started this organisation in 2017 because there were only but a few role models to positively impact the youth.
“I grew up in Wattville. We had mentors growing up and so I realised that the children here needed someone to look up to. I decided to plough back by becoming a mentor to them,” he said.
Radebe was terrified by the mess the lack of social activities had created in Wattville.
“You would find most of the young people loitering in the streets end up getting involved in substance abuse because they don’t have anything to do.
“I then decided to start this organisation to tell them that life is not all about fun.”
The organisation has a theatre to host dancing, acting, modelling and drum majorettes.
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Singino, the marketing officer of the organisation, told the paper that they realised that they had to use art to make a positive impact.
“We noticed that in Wattville there was no place where the children can be creative. We all have an arts background and we wanted to use our experience to help out,” she said.
The organisation’s roster is packed with 40 children. Singino said that the community’s assistance has been keeping them afloat since they started.
“We have been surviving through our own pockets but what’s been really important is the support we have been receiving from the community. Our events are always well attened.”
Radebe appeals for financial assistance as they need equipment.
“We can help these children but some things are just beyond our control. The drum majors don’t have uniforms and instruments and we need our own sound equipment.”
Anyone who may be willing to donate may call Dumisane Radebe on 073 069 8460 or 074 384 7002.
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