Tourists give back to community

AMERICAN and Australian tourists visiting Thula Thula Private Game Reserve outside Empangeni have left an indelible mark on the community of KwaCebekhulu.

This after a generous donation of teaching and learning resources to a local crèche.
Having spent two weeks exploring the beauty of Zululand, and being up close and personal with wildlife and nature, the visitors felt it necessary to leave behind a lasting memory for the community.

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Speaking on behalf of the visitors, Jocelyn Lynette Rawlin said they came together and decided they needed to do something for the community with the money left over from their stay in the region.

“Instead of changing the rands back to US dollars, we thought it might be better used somewhere in the community. We spoke to our tour guide and suggested donating equipment, specifically tables and chairs, to a local preschool,” said Rowlands.

The donation was facilitated by Thula Thula and the local Ubizo Communal Property Association (CPA), which identified Beat by Beat Crèche as the preferred beneficiary.

Welcoming the generous donation, early childhood development educator Bongiwe Mngadi said they were in great need of this equipment, as they had been compelled to make their little rascals sit on foam mattresses during classes.

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“We were short of tables and chairs, and have received no funding from the government since the beginning of the academic year,” said Mngadi.

Ubizo CPA member Makhosi Cebekhulu said this donation was an investment in the foundation of youth education in the community.

“We identified this crèche because we had known of their need. If we invest in children’s education, it means we will have educated young people under the Cebekhulu clan,” said Cebekhulu.

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