MANZINI– The yellow team with a golden heart!
A children’s halfway home received a facelift and donations valued at over E100 000 from Vice President of MTN Group Southern Eastern Africa Yolanda Quba.
The halfway home located at Zakhele currently houses 16 abandoned and vulnerable children aged between five months and 15 years.
Yesterday the children got a surprise visit from Quba and her delegation, which left their lives changed for better.
When making the donation, Quba said children held a special place in her heart.
“Children deserve to live free from fear; and fear comes from adults. If we give them equal opportunity we can make our country and the whole of Africa better,” she said.
The VP described her visit and the gesture as planting a seed of significance.
She said it was a sign to assure the children that they have not been forgotten. “WE want these children to be in charge of their destinies, despite what they have gone through in the early stages of their lives.”
Her contribution towards the halfway home include a facelift valued at E60 000; a donation of 30 blankets, 36 sets of curtains, baby cots, mattresses, carpets and gift hampers and cellphones for the House Mother and the two maids who are taking care of the children.
She commended the three women for the selflessness they have shown in raising the children, adding that their effort was highly appreciated.
MTN CEO Wandile Mtshali said they would consider providing something that would give the children chores to stimulate growth so that they were not bored.
Receiving the donation was Principal Secretary in the Deputy Prime Minister’s office Melusi Masuku who was represented by Manzini Principal Social Welfare Officer Nondumiso Skhosana.
Skhosana said the halfway house was a sanctuary for many abandoned and vulnerable children who are exposed to very unfortunate circumstances.
“The office is mandated to create an enabling environment where children also have an opportunity to thrive and learn whilst also receiving rehabilitation, not only physical, but also mental and medical attention in accordance with their needs. We are grateful for the shot in the arm that has come at the right hour of our need,” she said.
Skhosana said they valued and cherished the strong partnership they had with MTN Eswatini, adding that MTN Eswatini played a pivotal role in the efficient and cost effective monthly disbursement of elderly and disability grants through the Mobile Money platform.
Quba’s delegation comprised GM Group Technology SEA Alec Mulonga, Senior Analyst SEA Region Letsile Mahlangu, Senior Manager Regional Information Security Lucille Britz and Senior Manager Commercial Operations Abdul Fatawu Sherif.
They were accompanied by MTN Eswatini CEO Wandile Mtshali when they visited the children and further toured the Manzini MTN Service Centre.
