Empact Group transforms Eldorado Park orphanage in Mandela Day makeover
Armed with brushes, ladders and paint, 80 EG employees and managers divided themselves into teams to transform the orphanage for Mandela Day.
The company donated a full kitchen unit, 20 new mattresses and bedding sets, seven baby cot mattresses, two new stoves and urns.
ALSO READ: Mandela Day brings lasting impact to Eldorado Park special needs centre
They also treated the house mothers to a pamper session, including massages, pedicures, and manicures, while the children were fed and entertained by EG staff.
In addition, they assisted NVSH with repairing damaged bathrooms and toilets, and replaced broken doors.
EG's HR executive, Salwa Albertyn, explained that they started work on Monday (July 14), as some of the tasks required more than just a day.
'Painting with such a large group takes one day, but we needed plumbing done and toilets fixed, hence we had to start earlier this week,' she said.
'Our CEO, Alan Quinn, was also here on Wednesday to evaluate the house, and he added more items to the list. So this is not going to be the last time you see us here. We are fully committed to carrying on doing right, and we would love to adopt this house.'
ALSO READ: Local netball club celebrates Mandela day in style
As someone who grew up in Eldorado Park, a place often associated with violence and crime, Salwa pointed out that many positive things happen in the community too.
'There is so much that gets highlighted in terms of the bad in Eldorado Park. Yet there is far more to the area in terms of what is good. We have amazing people who do wonderful things in Eldorado Park.'
Reflecting on the work done, Section 79 chairperson for development planning in Joburg and Ward 18 Clr Juwairiya Kaldine, expressed gratitude to Soweto Urban and Empact Group, stating that none of it would have been possible without a collective effort.
Kaldine said she believes one of the government's biggest shortcomings is failing to recognise that it takes a collective effort, involving all sectors and political parties, to rebuild the country and strengthen communities.
Her ongoing goal is to assist the home in meeting the Department of Social Development's compliance requirements and becoming fully funded.
ALSO READ: Foundation marks Mandela Day by championing health matters
'Children are taken out of homes that are not safe for them, so where they are placed needs to be a nurturing environment,' she said.
'You cannot take somebody out of bad circumstances and then place them in another environment that is just as unsuitable. I am grateful to the Empact Group.'
Kaldine confirmed that all the home's paperwork is in order and that they are now waiting for the Department of Social Development (DSD) to open applications.
Bridget Claasen said it is difficult to run the safe houses without funding. She said DSD requires the house to be in good standing before they start disbursing the funds, and believes that the recent renovations will help in that regard.
ALSO READ: Mandela Day celebration brings fun among local senior citizens
The founder of Just Connect Empowerment Services, Colette Steeneveldt, also donated 67 loaves of bread in partnership with Dawn Visagie.
Great South Contractors, based in Eldorado Park, volunteered their services and visited the home to assess how they can help.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Kagosenco social club donates shoes to pupils in Tekwane South
The KaNyamazane Government Senior Citizens (Kagosenco) social club has been making a positive impact in their community through annual donations to schools in the Ehlanzeni region. This group of dedicated pensioners chose Tekwane South Primary School as the recipient of their Mandela Day initiative. On July 24, the social club contributed their 67 minutes by donating 100 pairs of school shoes to learners in need. According to the chairperson, Clement Shiba, serving communities keeps them motivated.'Giving back to the community is what keeps us busy as pensioners, and we would like to see more pensioners join our organisation,' Shiba said. 'We are retired but not tired, and we care.' ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market misses another deadline: Agriculture announces postponement of launch Shiba explained that the social club aims to help wherever it can in the community. 'We will continue to work hard to make education accessible by providing essential supplies to support children's learning,' he added.
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Merafong men break the silence at first-ever Khutsong Men's Conference
In a powerful and emotionally charged gathering on Mandela Day, men from across the Merafong region came together in Khutsong for the inaugural Men's Conference — an event that may mark the beginning of a cultural shift in how men confront and process their struggles. The conference, held at the Lepharo Building on Sompane Road, was organised by Men's Hope, a newly formed grassroots movement committed to fostering healing, leadership, and accountability among men in local communities. In a judgment-free environment, participants sat in a circle of open dialogue, tackling deep and often taboo issues that many men silently endure. Topics included mental health, behavioural change, leadership, spirituality, financial stress, and social pressures — all with a shared goal of creating real, sustainable change within families and communities. One of the central themes raised during the event was the absence of safe spaces where men can be emotionally vulnerable without fear of ridicule or shame. This lack, organisers believe, is a key contributor to cycles of unaddressed trauma and unhealthy behaviour. In response to the day's success and powerful conversations, attendees committed to formalising the initiative by forming a committee that will help structure the movement going forward. Their collective vision is to embed these conversations into daily life in Merafong and extend the model across all local townships. According to the Men's Hope movement, more community dialogues are being planned in different areas of Merafong with the aim of building a network of emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven men. The first Khutsong Men's Conference may have been a one-day event — but for many of those who attended, it was the beginning of a new chapter.
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Book drive in honour of Mandela Day
In celebration of Mandela Day, Shelly Centre hosted a book drive under the banner #ShellyCares, collecting over 300 children's books to help ignite a love for reading among local learners. The campaign ran from July 1 to 17, encouraged the public to donate books suitable for learners in Grades 1 to 7. The initiative concluded with a special handover at Marburg Primary, where the books will now contribute to building a more vibrant school library and literacy future. The handover was held recently and was attended by the principal, school governing body, learners, and representatives from the Educare Foundation, which generously contributed 50 books. RocoMamas Shelly Centre supported the event by donating coffee, adding warmth to the occasion. Shelly Centre's Mandela Day campaign was supported through a multi-channel activation that included a press ad, social media engagement, influencer content, and centre-based promoters who helped spread awareness and drive donations. 'Literacy is a doorway to opportunity, and we are proud to honour Mandela's legacy by investing in the education of future leaders,' said Marie Sukkels, centre manager. This initiative is part of Shelly Centre's ongoing commitment to uplift the local community through meaningful engagement and collaboration. Shelly Centre thanked everyone who donated and supported the book drive. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
