Members of the Nyanga Educare Forum were thrilled when they received much-needed equipment from their ward councillor on Friday 8 July.
Among others, they received toy scooters, bicycles, puzzles, plastic spoons, bowls, paint brushes, play dough, buckets and plates.
The handover happened at Zolani Centre and was spearheaded by Ward 37 councillor Lionel Martin.
According to him, the equipment was bought through his ward allocation budget. He stated that not all the centres in the ward would benefit.
“I bought all the equipment with the money for the 2021/22 financial year. There are other crèches that didn’t receive now that will get in the next term’s budget,” said Martin, adding that there are more than 30 crèches in his ward.
He stated that the equipment cost about R40 000.
Martin said there are other entities including the neigbourhood watch, senior citizens, disabled forum that are also earmarked for funding.
Forum members praised Martin for a great job, saying the equipment will make the difference.
One of the beneficiaries and principal of Nobantu Educare Centre, which is based at Zolani Centre, Nomsa Zihlangu said each crèche received different things depending on its need. She said some of the things that she got were plastic spoons (20), bowls (20), play dough, scooter, set of paint brush and crayons.
“We are happy with what the councillor did for us. We believe that they will make the difference not only to us as teachers but to the children as well. We are hoping that he will continue supporting us,” she said.
Zihlangu, whose facility is home to 95 children, said they have a challenge of break-ins. She said criminals often steal some of her equipment. She urged other businesspeople to come and support them.