There are concerned residents within the Diepsloot community, however, who spend day in and day out trying to improve the lives of these children. One of these is Laizah Nkosi who runs Thokozani Pre-school.
Nkosi, affectionately known as ‘Gogo’ by her young pupils, has been running the pre-school for the last decade in an effort to keep young ones off the streets by providing them with basic education and a better start in life.
Due to recent load shedding, Nkosi’s oven burnt out one night, nearly setting the school on fire. This was a devastating loss, as Nkosi provides cooked food for these children, for many of whom it is the only meal they get all day.
In stepped Friends of Diepsloot organisation and Hirsch’s Fourways, who sponsored a new stove-oven for Nkosi, thereby saving the day. The handover was done at the school on 2 March, much to the jubilation of Nkosi and other staff at the school.
“God is great,” said Nkosi as she hugged Annabel Newell who represents Friends of Diepsloot. “Thank you so much, I am so happy.”
Newell in turn thanked Nkosi for the wonderful work she does in the community. “These children have a fighting chance at life and Diepsloot needs more ‘Gogos’ like you, Laizah,” Newell replied with tears in her eyes.
The organisation and Hirsch’s generosity did not stop there though, as the group moved onto the Philisa Isizwe Foundation, where they handed a washing machine and a bed and base set.
The foundation’s representative, Margaret Xaba, explained that they also support 30 grandmothers who take care of their grandchildren after parents had died either from Aids or domestic violence.
“For this, we need all kinds of continuous funding,” said Xaba. “We are so grateful for the support we receive from Friends of Diepsloot and Hirsch’s, it will really go a long way.”
Do you have old, yet functioning, appliances that you could donate to the needy? Let us know by e-mailing us at fourwaysr@caxton.co.za
