Barberton Mines puts a smile on children’s faces
"The significance of opening this park is that communities are starting to own their own public spaces where people can enjoy themselves, relax and take part in recreational activities."
Children at the M’Africa Branch (Ward 5) in Emjindini will get the chance to enjoy an outdoor playground again thanks to funding from Barberton Mines.
Ward councillor, Cllr Vusi Mkhatshwa, who is also the official spokesman for Umjindi Municipality, opened the park last Friday.
Mkhatshwa was joined by members of the mayoral committee, Cllr Mavi Hlophe, Cllr Elizabeth Gecelo-Mkhabela and a Barberton Mines delegation led by Fortunate Ngomane and Edmond Chirwa.
Several kids from various crèches from around Ward 4 had been invited to witness the reopening of the children’s park.
Mkhatshwa thanked Barberton Mines for their collaboration to make play a reality for the children at the facility.
“The significance of opening this park is that communities are starting to own their own public spaces where people can enjoy themselves, relax and take part in recreational activities,” he said.
The park now boasts a slide, swings and a jungle gym and Mkhatshwa added that the municipality plans to invest more money in the project by installing more playing facilities.
Teachers from crèches who attended the park’s reopening were excited. They said it was wonderful that the children now had a place where they could play and be happy in safety.
Chirwa said the donation of the park was part of the Barberton Mines corporate social investment to the community of Barberton.
Children who attended the event, left smiling after they were handed snacks and soft drinks.
