Knitting from the heart bring joy

NYONGANE – Staff and management of the Kruger National Park (KNP) knitted 55 blankets for children of Siphephelakhona Community Centre in Nyongane, just outside Phabeni Gate, as part of their 67 minutes of giving to others in the memory of Madiba.
During his speech at the handover ceremony, newly appointed KNP managing executive, Glenn Phillips, said, “As a tribute to our beloved Madiba who will forever remain an inspiration to nations all over the world, we call on communities to devote their time to worthy causes which make a difference in the society on a daily basis.”

The staff of KNP spent time at the centre in an effort to mobilise the community against environmental crime and poverty, and to encourage peace, economic development and education.

The 67 minutes represents one minute for every one of the 67 years that the late Nelson Mandela devoted to the struggle for liberation of all South Africans.

This year’s theme for the Nelson Mandela International Day was, “Take action, inspire change, make every day a Mandela Day”.

Phillips said, “With winter still lingering, getting some of the necessities makes a huge difference in the young ones’ lives.

As KNP, we saw it fit to give warmth to the kids at Siphephelakhona and would like to thank the management of the centre for affording us the opportunity.”

Phillips stressed that it was important for the young ones to live in an environment which gave them access to opportunities to promote their level of well-being.

The KNP staff also planted trees at the centre and took the initiative to start a vegetable garden which will provide fresh produce to the youngsters.

The Siphephelakhona Community Centre lies within the Nkambeni Traditional Authority at Nyongane Village under Mbombela Local Municipality and was established in December 2004.

It operates as a drop-in orphanage and home-based care centre.
One hundred and ten children, from newborn babies to 18-year-olds, are registered at the centre.

Most of them come from child- or grandparent-headed families, or homes in which a single parent is unemployed.

The centre has a total of 18 volunteers and caregivers.

They prepare and serve lunch, assist with homework and also conduct home visits. It currently receives some funding from a private company which assists with a stipend, feeding scheme, home visits and maintenance.

South African National Parks’s (SANParks) People and Conservation department is in constant contact with the communities bordering the KNP.

The department has also established various community forums which allow healthy dialogue and joint ventures.