Earlier today, Gift of the Givers’ Lenasia branch handed food parcels, hygiene packs and seedlings to 40 members of Buhle Bemvelo Community Project on Andes Street in Lenasia South Ext 4 to motivate them to continue making change in the community.
The handover follows a News 24 article headlined ‘Lenasia man rolls up his sleeves to keep the neighbourhood clean’ whereby Buhle Bemvelo’s Thabo Madiba detailed how they have been voluntarily cleaning unkempt open spaces and stormwater drains in the area since 2018. He also shared how he joined 39 elders from the area and surroundings to start a food garden as a self sustaining venture and to prevent crime in an area which provided cover to criminals.
Gift of the Givers’ Shehnaaz Mahamed told GLOBE POST: ” After we read the article, we saw it imperative for us to come and acknowledge Buhle Bemvelo for the work they do and to also motivate others, especially the youth, to do the same so that we can have a better place to live in.”
Accompanying Gift of the Givers was Ward 120 Cllr Puseletso Nzimande and Ward Committee member for safety and security, Ridwaan Minty, who both thanked the organisation for its continued support in the area.
“It is not the first time that Gift of the Givers has came to assist in our Ward, they helped during the flooding in Hospital Hills and today they are here to encourage Buhle Bemvelo members to continue doing the amazing work they do in our community. I recently spoke to the MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi, to assist support us so that we can formalise such initiatives,” Nzimande told GLOBE POST.
Expressing gratitude, Madiba said “We are happy that there are people who recognise us. We don’t have sponsors, thank God, Gift of the Givers came and made a difference to everyone working on the garden. We also thank the councillor and community members for allowing us to do what we do, if it wasn’t for its support, we wouldn’t be here.”
Another member of the group, Zama Mazibuko added: “We are grateful to be acknowledged, it is truly a motivation to do more, in and for the community.”
To support Buhle Bemvelo, contact Thabo Madiba on 081 766 5707.
