One of the South African children, Lesedi Makgetha (16), hands over a blanket to one of the displaced kids from Zimbabwe. On the right is the Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani.
Children from Musina have done what many adults have failed to do in their lives. This became evident when 28 displaced kids from Zimbabwe received clothes, blankets and food from their South African peers in Musina.
The historic event was attended by the Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani. The initiative is a joint effort by charity organization Save the Children UK, the Musina Municipality and the Muslim Community of Musina.
Through the Musina Children’s Advisory Council, which encourages child participation in community building, the local children identified projects that they would undertake this winter. One of their projects was to collect clothes and food for their fellow displaced children from Zimbabwe. The South African children approached different organizations and businesspeople, thereby collecting blankets, clothes and food enough for the 28 displaced kids.
Representing the South African children, Shirley Mandiwana (15) said the local children felt that it was their responsibility to give to those who were less fortunate. “We live in a world where the majority of people put their own interest above everything, and never spare a second to look at the trials and tribulation of those next to them. From the children summits, the camps and many meetings we held, we learnt that it is good to help those who cannot sustain themselves. As children councillors and ward committee members, we were deeply touched by the plight of children and adults within our community, who go to bed on empty stomachs and sleep without blankets. We looked at them and realized that they did not choose to be in this unfortunate situation that they find themselves. This only made us realize how lucky we are that we are still living a decent life. We are lucky that our parents and guardians are still able to put bread on our tables, take us to school, and still afford the luxury of buying clothing for us,” she said.
