Organisations help rebuild Ditshepe’s hope
This was an illustration of a strong commitment to community support and development.
SEBOKENG. – For this year’s 67 minutes on Nelson Mandela Day, the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) joined hands to rebuild and restore the hope of Ditshepe Tsa Ngwao Ya Setswana – a local cultural group based in Sebokeng, Zone 11.
This was an illustration of a strong commitment to community support and development. The collaboration marked the rebuilding of the group’s shack (which also functions as their clubhouse) that was destroyed by a fire earlier this year. The fire destroyed the group’s dance attire, two single beds, blankets and other belongings.
The group founder, Lydia Motse, emphasised how grateful she is for the rebuilding of the shack, stating:
“I don’t have words, I am so happy and grateful to every organisation that made it possible. I never thought my sadness will be turned into happiness. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
The group is an enthusiastic and innovative company that deals with sports, arts and culture projects and programmes. They work with young people and those with disabilities that want to showcase their talents in the field of sport, arts and culture.
The group was established in 2012 by Motse.
Their primary role is to provide a platform to learn about arts and culture, and initiate development. Their aim is also to create and develop performance and awareness to everyone. They further want to promote gender equality and create job opportunities for youth development. The loss of their clubhouse was not only a significant blow to them but to the community at large.
Semakaleng Moeketsi from ELM’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, said, “To ELM and VUT, Ditshepe Tsa Ngwao Ya Setswana are no longer strangers. The group has been a constant feature at events, adding grandeur to our prestigious ceremonies like the Emfuleni SoMA, VUT’s Africa Day celebration and Youth Day commemorations, to mention a few. Accordingly, the relationship with the group is what triggered us to step in and extend a helping hand.”
ELM thanked local businesses, including EmpowaWorx, the Lawrence Khekhe Foundation, Riverside MICA, and Etelang Pele Community Service, whose generous donations made the restoration of the shack possible. VUT donated four single beds, sheets, twelve blankets, office furniture, groceries, and clothes.
