Nakelela Tlokomela Stimulation Centre handed over

In tracing the history of Nakelela Tlokomela Stimulation Centre their founders had a lot of stories to tell.

Gogo Bushy Mahlangu and Ms Nomsa Mazibuko had good stories to tell when they started the organisation while it was still known as South Africa Stop Child Abuse (SASCA). This was during the handover ceremony of Nakelela Tlokomele Stimulation Centre to Ms Maria Molekwa. The ceremony was held at the Meletlogonolo Stimulation Centre on March 8.

They related stories of during the initials years, in 1994 when they joined forces to stop child abuse as their main concern. They visited schools, held awareness campaigns and visited homes during their campaigns. They presented puppet shows and they could identify a lot of children some who simply cried after watching the show.

They told the audience that they were inspired by other people to give back towards the society.

“It has been a long journey of 21 years. After experiencing some form of abuse others within our families we embarked on something to do for ‘our children’ within KwaGuqa. We involved the social workers, parents, school teachers, churches, police, Victim Support, and department of justice. We held meetings; we held awareness campaigns and we tried to reach as much as we can. We were all united to stop children abuse,” recalled Gogo Bushy.

The first meeting according to Gogo Bushy was held at the Roman Catholic Church in Ackerville and later they were offered an office by Mrs Thoko Mtsuki. Their volunteers worked very hard in reaching out to the schools as they were very committed and dedicated to the cause. In later years the centre was moved to Extension 14.

“It was not all smooth sailing as we received threats but we helped the police to arrest a lot of suspects. We held street meetings and every year we held a Christmas party for our children. We received donations from former mayor Glory Dhlamini, mines, the Ridge Casino, other business people and individuals. We had our challenges but we dealt with them. Our focus is the children and we wanted to protect them,” explained Ms Mazibuko.

Ms Matildah Maseko representing the executive mayor apologised on her behalf as she was engaged somewhere. She further stated that the council was very proud of the commitment that has been shown by the ladies and their volunteers. She said they have made so much progress and thanks must be given to God who has been guiding them all along.

“You did good work as you are now passing the baton to other people as the municipality we would like to salute you and thank you. We hope the centre will achieve its objectives that of caring for our children,” added Ms Maseko.

The centre will now be under the care of Ms Maria Molekwa who said their union should be celebrated.

“It’s not everyday that you find people who are so committed, dedicated and volunteering their services to the community. They showed us the way and we need to follow in their footsteps,” said Ms Molekwa.

Ms Anna Thane of Meletlogonolo Stimulation Centre was also thanked for her role.

Donations were also presented to the centre