The philosopher Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” In the case of the Thusong Day Care Centre, which has just officially taken occupation of a new centre, that single step was taken more than a decade ago, when a former teacher, Maria Mopeli had the vision to provide for the vulnerable children of Vredefort.
With the completion of the new facility, Ms Mopeli’s vision is finally being realised and the people of the Mokwallo Township have a brand new, high-quality facility where their children will receive excellent care and education.
The Thusong Day Care Centre’s new buildings were erected with assistance from Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA). The managing director, Velaphi Ratshefola, took a personal interest in the project, initiating a “Donate a Brick” project to help with the construction costs, and starting the CCBSA MD’s Annual Golf Tournament as a fundraiser.
“Just under a year ago, we turned the first sod at what is the new centre today. The building has progressed rapidly and I’m thrilled to see the new buildings delivered and ready for occupation by the children and their caregivers,” Ratshefola said.
Ms Mopeli first opened Thusong to provide a place where children could get assistance with homework, Since then, her modest enterprise has grown, and now 180 children between the ages of six and 19 participate in extramural activities, including singing and indigenous games.
From a tin shack in a dusty field, as it was in 2005, the new Thusong Day Care Centre is of solid brick and tile construction and comprises three buildings and adjoining sports facilities.
Catering for orphaned and vulnerable children, the centre is run by seven women who help prepare daily meals, give classes and assist children with their schoolwork.
The official opening of the centre took place last week as part of National Child Protection Week. The theme for this year is “Let Us All Protect Children Moving South Africa Forward”, and that resonates with what the centre does – giving hope and guidance towards a better life for the children of Mokwallo.
Through initiatives like ‘Donate a Brick’, the Annual Charity Golf Day and donations from external stakeholders, suppliers and employees of CCBSA, more than R2 million was raised for the new centre.
Reflecting its belief that financial contributions are just one part of creating effective change, CCBSA recently held two Corporate Social Responsibility days to complete the project. Employees from Vaal Maluti and Goldfields districts came together to apply the finishing touches, including a lick of paint and kitting out activity areas for soccer and netball.
“This facility impacts so many people’s lives. It was founded on the principles of love and care and I am proud to open the buildings today,” Ratshefola said. He said none of this would be possible without the enthusiastic support and generous contributions of employees, partners and suppliers. He also praised Maria Mopeli for her vision, saying it is through the actions of people like her that we can change things for the better in South Africa.
