Sanral makes a difference

Vella Nyoni

LIMPOPO – AS July is Mandela Month, government entities, big and small corporations and ordinary individuals have risen up to answer the call by former statesman, Nelson Mandela to give back to communities.

In the spirit of giving back, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in Mankweng not only doing their corporate social responsibility (CSI) programme, but their 67 Minutes for Mandela as well. The agency paid a visit to the Thabong Care and Drop-in centre at Matshelapata just outside Polokwane.

Having identified the shelter as one of the dire needs of the Matshelapata community, Sanral erected a Wendy house at the centre. The centre provides solace for orphaned and vulnerable children from the area. It currently houses 76 children all between the ages of seven and 14.

One of the major challenges the centre is faced with is poor ablution and sanitation facilities and in response to this, six portable toilets were also donated. To ensure children at the centre are on the track with their education, Sanral donated stationery, which included books, pens and bags.

The children can also look forward to newly installed play and recreational areas. The new play area includes a soccer field, which can also be used for exercise. The centre was also fitted with electricity which had been an ongoing challenge.

Paulinah Letsoalo, who works at the centre as a caregiver, said they were happy to finally get help.

“It’s a big day for us at the centre, we feel very happy and honoured to see what Sanral has done for the children. Most of them come from very poor backgrounds so at least they have a place to come to after school and be taken care of. I feel excited for the children and grateful,” said Letsoalo.

According to Ismail Essa, the regional manager for Sanral’s northern region, they were interested in helping this centre for a very long time.

“We’ve known about this centre from last year and we wanted to get involved and make a difference.

Although we donated portable toilets and play areas, we are planning to build them proper toilets and extend the play areas so essentially our work does not end here,” said Essa.

Some of the staff from Sanral painted the centre and planted trees in the yard.

Letsoalo said according to Sanral, they would return to add on the work they did that day and make sure everything in the centre ran smoothly.

“I was very happy when they told me that the will continue to help us, my colleagues and I are eternally grateful to them,” said Letsoalo.