SAPS and Laduma Hardware assist children in need
At Shweni near KaBokweni, a family has new hope for life since they are being assisted by the KaBokweni Policing Forum and Laduma Hardware.
In July, while members of the KaBokweni Policing Forum were doing patrols at Shweni, they came across a shack being inhabited only by Thando (17) and his three siblings, aged 16 and younger.
After their mother had passed away and their father had deserted them, they were left to fend for themselves with only support from a schools’ feeding scheme and neighbours.
The SAPS in KaBokweni then started to support them, often from their own salaries. Laduma Hardware was approached and immediately took the opportunity to better the lives of these children.
A new home is being constructed for them and they should be able to move in during December. It will consist of two bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom and open-plan kitchen.
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Paul Oosthuizen, chief executive officer at Laduma Hardware, said that Laduma Hardware is a business with a heart, and they want to give back to the community they serve in that way.
“As part of our corporate social investment programme, we choose to contribute towards upliftment of our communities.”
Captain Shirley Nsimba, of KaBokweni SAPS, said the project is a means towards the achievement of their goal of preventing crime.
“Ensuring the safety of this family is a way of assisting our community. We have noticed a distinct change in the attitude of the children since this project began. They are more optimistic and look forward to the future. They don’t feel so alone and know that the community cares.”
Laduma Hardware’s store manager, Benjamin Malekwa, said that if each business helps one family, there would be true transformation of lives in South Africa.
“We need to pay it forward. We need to learn from each other, and help each other up when we can.”
They sponsored building materials and five staff members helped on-site. Their support will continue at least once per month, until completion of the project.
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