Orphans in Mthatha filled with Christmas joy as Madiba spirit lives on

Christmas came early for children at the SOS Children’s Village in Mthatha when they were spoiled as part of the fourth commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s passing.

Joyous noise and angelic voices from the children had sport, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina, OR Tambo district mayor Nomakhosazana Meth and Nelson Mandela Museum CEO Bonke Tyhulu in tears.

SOS Children’s Village is a home for orphans, abandoned babies and streetchildren. Majodina and serial do-gooder Tshepo Machaea, who was not present at the event, donated Christmas groceries worth R7300 collected from people who attended commemorations on Tuesday.

“It is not only about the gesture, but is deep inside about the love and caring of these young souls, the vulnerable children,” said Majodina.

A two-year-old boy stood on the table as he lit candles on the large cake bought for them, and another read the message before the house erupted into applause and singing.

SOS Village in Mthatha is home to 108 families, with 252 children between them.

The children and the staff at the home, led by their director, Barrington Makunga, greatly appreciated the gesture. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za