Creche kids get helping hands

A CHRIS Hani informal settlement creche in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, received a new look in a plan to extend Mandela Day beyond July 18.

Eastern Cape Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) spent nearly R100000 on Friday fixing the picket fencing and floors and painting at Sekunjalo Pre- School.

The school's founder, Thobeka Whumani, 64, said the three-room shack accommodated 20 children between the ages of one and five.

"Kids from around here don't have much. When I started the creche 13 years ago, I wanted to make sure the kids were safe during the day when their parents go to look for piece jobs.

"We provide them with food and education. I am glad that part of the upgrade is the fencing. At least the kids will be safe," Whumani said.

TPT general manager Siya Mhlakula said the parastatal had decided to extend its Mandela Day celebrations beyond the former president's birthday.

"Our aim is to make a contribution to uplift the communities. We extend our involvement to disadvantaged communities and Sekunjalo PreSchool was identified as a school that needed an upgrade," Mhlakula said.

"As a company we aim to start our investment in human development early.

"These kids need to have a solid foundation from an early age and that is why we need to make sure that their environment is safe and secure." - Yoliswa Sobuwa