Over 3000 children from Buffalo City Metro (BCM) were given some early Christmas cheer when they were handed toys courtesy of mining tycoon Patrice Motsepe.
The Motsepe Foundation, just days ahead of its annual Christmas With Our People music concert in the city, distributed toys to children from disadvantaged families in East London and King William’s Town.
The foundation’s BCM region chairman Mpumelelo Qwabaza said the toy distribution had been running since 2010.
“Motsepe believes that he would not be where he his today had it not been for the people of this country and he has always expressed how painful it is for him to see people living in poverty,” said Qwabaza.
“This initiative is just another way for him to contribute in the fight against poverty.”
He said the impact of the toy distribution could be seen on the smiles of the children.
“This is the one time of the year where children everywhere expect toys and gifts and the reality is that most parents cannot afford to spend money on toys, so this not only alleviates the stress for parents but children also get to experience the greatest joy that comes with receiving gifts and they forget about whatever situation is going on at home,” he said.
Parents Zanele Mjali said she was grateful and did not take the initiative lightly.
“You know some people will think, but why toys? Why not give them food or clothes? We forget that children have to play – playing and having toys to play with is vital in a child’s development and we spend so much time worrying about what to feed them and other necessities,” said Mjali.
The foundation will carry on with the theme of giving in the spirit of Christmas when they host the fourth annual concert at the Beachfront this Saturday.
The event starts in the morning and the line-up for this year’s event includes DJ Black Coffee, Zahara, KO, Arthur and Mandoza. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Patrice spreads Christmas cheer
The Motsepe Foundation, just days ahead of its annual Christmas With Our People music concert in the city, distributed toys to children from disadvantaged families in East London and King William’s Town.
The foundation’s BCM region chairman Mpumelelo Qwabaza said the toy distribution had been running since 2010.
“Motsepe believes that he would not be where he his today had it not been for the people of this country and he has always expressed how painful it is for him to see people living in poverty,” said Qwabaza.
“This initiative is just another way for him to contribute in the fight against poverty.”
He said the impact of the toy distribution could be seen on the smiles of the children.
“This is the one time of the year where children everywhere expect toys and gifts and the reality is that most parents cannot afford to spend money on toys, so this not only alleviates the stress for parents but children also get to experience the greatest joy that comes with receiving gifts and they forget about whatever situation is going on at home,” he said.
Parents Zanele Mjali said she was grateful and did not take the initiative lightly.
“You know some people will think, but why toys? Why not give them food or clothes? We forget that children have to play – playing and having toys to play with is vital in a child’s development and we spend so much time worrying about what to feed them and other necessities,” said Mjali.
The foundation will carry on with the theme of giving in the spirit of Christmas when they host the fourth annual concert at the Beachfront this Saturday.
The event starts in the morning and the line-up for this year’s event includes DJ Black Coffee, Zahara, KO, Arthur and Mandoza. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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