PICS: Two Ivory Park families blessed with much-needed goods
MIDRAND – The Midrand Local Economic Empowerment calls on local businesses to give back to the poor.
The Midrand Local Economic Empowerment NPC donated groceries and clothes to two poverty-stricken families in Ivory Park on 7 December.
The non-profit company, which focuses on the empowerment of Small Macro Medium Enterprises and skilled (SMMEs) people in Midrand has identified the two families living below the poverty line as beneficiaries for the Christmas donation.
Tumelo Mailula from the Midrand Local Economic Empowerment said they were aware of the socio-economic conditions in the townships and have decided to play an active role in assisting and giving back to the needy this festive season.
“Whilst we fight for SMMEs to be recognised and empowered, we cannot ignore families who are struggling to make ends meet in our communities. We have embarked on a new initiative for the festive season to brighten up a few homes that are less fortunate.
“We have also identified young people in the families we have visited that we could assist with finding employment opportunities.
Our aim is to enhance meaningful economic participation by the locals with the greater Midrand area,” he said.
Josphine Nkosi who resides at the Mamtolo Informal Settlement in Ivory Park with her four children said she would sleep peacefully at night knowing that her children have something to eat. “We live on social grants and I am unemployed. This donation is a big relief to me as it would help me focus on getting school things for the children. Life has not been easy for us. I am very grateful for the donation,” she said.
Nozibele Mthini lives with her three children in Ivory Park. Her elder son works piece jobs and her two young children are in school. “I don’t work and we use the social grant for my two children to survive. I was wondering how we would survive the festive season when other families are happy. I am happy that my children will be the same as other children this Christmas,” said Mthini.
Mailula added that they would be identifying more families and intensifying the drive next year. “We urge SMMEs and local businesses to recognise the need to plough back in the community and make a difference in the lives of those who are living in poverty. We hope to reach more families next year,” he concluded.
