Umthombo Resources donated R1.2 million to Londolani School for the Disabled during an event held at the school’s premises at Rabali village in the Dzanani area last Saturday.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Umthombo Resources, Mr Matodzi Nesongozwi, pledged a donation of R1.2 million during his birthday celebration party which he shared with the physically handicapped children of Londanani.

According to Nesongozwi, the reason why he celebrated his birthday with the children of Londolani was the fact that he wanted to bring the donors closer to the school, so that they can donate money to build decent classes for the children.

“Because I grew up in this area, I felt that there was a need for me to do something for the children. I know that transport is also a challenge for the children as they need to be transported to and from school every day, so the money will be used for transport as well,” he said.

He added that he wanted to see the construction of the school starting within two weeks. The money, according to Nesongozwi, was in addition to the R8 000 he had donated to the school in January this year.

Apart from the money, Umthombo Resources also donated stationery packs and groceries to the school. Londolani School for the disabled has only one block of two classrooms that is used by 45 children.

The event was honoured by the Minister of Social Development in South Africa, Dr Zola Skweyiya. Dr Skweyiya expressed his appreciation for what Umthombo Resources was doing for the physically challenged children of Londolani. “If there is something that we ought to be proud of, it is to take care of the children,” he said.

He acknowledged that there was still a lot which needed to be done for the children of Londolani. “I will, as long as I am still in government, continue to come to Londolani to offer my support. People concentrate a lot on the urban areas and tend to forget about the rural areas. I will also liaise with the MEC for Health and Social Development, Mr Seaparo Sekoati, to do something for the children of Londolani,” promised Skweyiya.

Umthombo Resources is a mining company which owns two operational mines in South Africa.

According to Nesongozwi, the R1.2 million from Umthombo Resources was just the beginning for the school, which means that there is still a lot to come.

Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana complemented Umthombo Resources for the good things which they are doing for the children.