THE Association of Nigerian Residents in uMhlathuze (ANRU) held a celebration commemorating Nigeria’s 53rd year of Independence.
The anniversary dinner was held at the Veldenvlei Community Hall in Richards Bay on Tuesday.
ANRU is a socio-cultural body of Nigerians resident in the uMhlathuze area who are committed not only to meeting the social and well-being of its members, but also and more importantly, to promote positive relations between Nigerians and South Africans in the province.
The association has been running since 2004 and in the last four years become more entrenched and organised by engaging more with the South African community by identifying niche areas of community needs.
Last year, ANRU was able to identify and meet the needs of two high schools; Encutshini High School and Umbiya School in KwaMthethwa where they provided them with career and guidance counselling talks for Grade 10 and 12 pupils.
Another project that they took on was the Sinalo Cerebral Palsy Centre in Empangeni where they provided a dozen sleeping mattresses and a microwave for the children’s use.
This year, the team collaborated with the Zululand Observer’s Dice (Do I Care Enough?) community outreach organisation, and gave food and clothes to over 50 elderly people in Ntabanana.
‘When my executive and I assumed office on 29 January 2012, we pledged to focus on two key areas which include membership retention and community engagement.
‘I am happy to report that since then, we have implemented a number of initiatives that have yielded positive results in this regard.
‘So let us not ask what our governments have done for us or can do for us, let us ask ourselves what we can do for our countries and for Africa,’ said Dr Christopher Isike (President of ANRU) during his address at the dinner.
