The late father of the nations Nelson Mandela held children close to his heart. Without a doubt, he instilled the culture of taking care of the homeless and needy children, which was what the herald saw throughout Randfontein and its surrounds on Mandela Day (18 July).

During our tour through the different communities we spotted the Ebhuhleni home-based centre in Mohlakeng refurbishing their premises. We decided to find out what they were doing to celebrate Madiba’s birthday.

Project manager Mzimeni Funeka says, “While the rest of South Africa decided to embark on a clean-up for Mandela Day, we just wanted to spend time and have fun with the children in our care. We run a home where we take care of more than 150 vulnerable children and orphans.

“We are trying our best to make sure that these children have everything they need with the little that we have. Therefore we decided to have them join us in our refurbishment campaign and show them that a little can go a long way and that happiness is achieved through the little things,” says Funeka. 

He adds that they were joined by representatives from the West Rand District Municipality and says that they are thankful to all the sponsors who ensured that their day was a success.