Christmas comes early for little ones
Santa and French consul general Sophie Bel attended a Christmas lunch in Harare last week where children from needy homes received meals as well as gifts, including uniforms, clothes and toys.
The lunch is held annually by the Sinethemba Community Organisation, run by Nolitha Ndalasi.
Ms Ndalasi said she had started the lunches after noticing how many families struggled over Christmas.
“I had only one aim: to bring smiles on children’s faces for Christmas. To some, this is their last decent meal and gifts because of the situation back at home. Our community is not working. I thought why not create this initiative. I had to feed the ones who cannot afford food and gifts in our community during Christmas. The rate of unemployment in the township is high.
“This is something I do wholeheartedly. It is how I spread Christmas to my community. There is no turning back now for as long I get support from the corporate world and those who can assist with whatever.”
Ms Bel praised the work done by the organisation and its volunteers. “You are the inspiration to many. Congratulations to you all for the work you are doing. This is my first time in Khayelitsha, but I will come back again. I will not forget about you,” she said.
She encouraged the centre to continue its work campaigning against abuse, saying: “Education should be our biggest investment in all the things we do. Thank you also for what you are doing in the fight against gender-based violence.”
Parent Nomina Pama said she volunteered with the organisation in return for the help it had given her.
“Unemployment is real in the country. I am one of those who hardly celebrate Christmas. But today I am grateful to Ms Ndalasi for what she did for us and our children. My two grandchildren that are here will have clothes this Christmas. I thank her and all those who made it possible for her to help this community,” she said.
