Mandela Day donations lift Polokwane children
The initiative formed part of Lepelle Northern Water's Corporate Social Investment programme, with the Polokwane Place of Safety selected as a beneficiary of this year's 67 Minutes campaign.
POLOKWANE – A total of 92 vulnerable children at the Polokwane Place of Safety received donations and words of encouragement from Lepelle Northern Water (LNW), in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) regional office and other stakeholders, as part of Nelson Mandela Day on July 18.
Marketing and branding officer Rhulani Hlungwani said the initiative formed part of LNW’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, with the government-owned centre selected as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s 67 Minutes campaign.
Meeting everyday needs
School shoes, tekkies, soccer balls, netball balls, tennis balls, slippers and dignity packs were donated to help meet some of the children’s everyday needs.
Lessons in hygiene and water conservation
“In addition to the donations, the children received educational talks on the importance of personal hygiene and water conservation. Officials encouraged good hygiene practices and reminded them that every drop of water counts,” Hlungwani said.
She explained that promoting hygiene is a key responsibility of the Department of Water and Sanitation, which is mandated to support safe and dignified sanitation for all. The awareness session aimed to instil healthy habits and equip the children with knowledge they can apply in their daily lives.
More than material support
Hlungwani added that the Polokwane Place of Safety provides care for children facing difficult circumstances.
Some are orphans, while others have been abandoned, neglected or rescued from human trafficking.
New admissions are frequent, creating an ongoing need for clothing and other essential items.
“Beyond their physical needs, many of the children have experienced trauma and continue to face the emotional challenges of growing up without family support,” she said.
A shared spirit of giving back
According to Hlungwani, initiatives such as this reflect the true spirit of Nelson Mandela Day by giving back to vulnerable members of society while promoting inclusion, dignity and community development.
The day also highlighted the importance of partnerships between government institutions in improving the lives of those most in need, turning Nelson Mandela’s call to make a difference into meaningful action.
