In a week where so-called xenophobic attacks made South Africa the skunk of the world and power-cuts made a vengeful comeback, finding good news becomes somewhat challenging.
Enter Thandi Zulu and Rebecca Sullivan. These two remarkable ladies – yes, they are ladies – are an excellent tonic to chase away news blues.
Thandi is the effervescent project manager at Siphuthando Care Centre in Sibongile. It is here where children from destitute homes are fed after lunch through the Zethembe Luncheon Club, uniforms are donated to the neediest and lunch and support given to widows.
The widows are also taught sewing skills, are given counselling when needed while a garden project helps supplies vegetables for the lunches.
Up to 90 children flock to the Centre every school day and their numbers are growing as news of what is being done there spreads.
“We have also donated 25 school uniforms to children from needy families. We are supported by the Department of Social Services, the Rotary Club and other kind donors.”
Rebecca is a retired Lutheran pastor from Minnesota in the United States and this is her fourth visit to South Africa and her first to Dundee since 2008.
She is out here for over five weeks, visiting the Shiyane circuit of the Lutheran Church, which covers a vast area of the northern parts of the Province. She addressed the women at Siphuthando last week, giving them insight on ‘tough love’ – disciplining children who have drifted into drug abuse and families torn apart by domestic violence.
“South Africa is not the only country with problems. There are problems on both sides of the ocean. It is just lovely to be here and experience the warmth of the people of South Africa.”
With people like Thandi and Rebecca, there is always hope. Anyone wishing to assist Siphutando Care Centre can contact Thandi at 072 713 2143.