Jesus is Hope: Kidz Christmas Party Report

(The wife of the Mayor of Midvaal Municipality enjoying it wit the kids during the Kids Christmas Party)

The Mayor of Midvaal Municipality Mr. Timothy Nast organised the end of the year Christmas party on 27^th November 2010 for the children of Silahliwe/Sicelo Squatter camp. 200 children from the squatter camp were invited. These children are enrolled under the Belin Global Ministry Sponsorship programme. This Christmas party came after a meeting that was held on the 2^nd September 2010 between the Mayor; the Director in the Mayor’s office, Dot Corrigan and Solomon Mondlane together with his wife Precious Mahlangu. In the meeting the mayor was briefed about the situation in Silahliwe/Sicelo squatter camp concerning the children.

The issue of the little Thato (11) whose parents and 3 siblings were burnt to death in a shack was also discussed. The Mayor was so touched that he promised to sponsor an end of the year Christmas party for the children of that squatter camp. Amongst other things, he promised a site for a carepoint, and if possible to contribute towards an erection of a carepoint; he promised a site to develop a food garden and to sponsor an establishment of a food garden for the kids; and a site for a charity car wash station to raise funds to feed the children of Silahliwe/Sicelo squatter camp.

(The Mayor's wife, The Mayor, Precious Mahlangue (BGM rep), Artist, Themba Khoza and FTFA Motlatsi Letsela at the back)

This past Saturday, 27^th November 2010, the Mayor of Midvaal addressed more than 200 children who graced the Kidz Christmas party. “This time; every year father Christmas comes around and give gifts to children, but not to all children; only to those who do good.” The Mayor said as he was narrating a story to the kids.

The children were entertained by South Africa’s concerned musicians Mrs. Nokhaya and Mr. Themba Khoza. The Mayor and his wife distributed Christmas gifts to the jubilant little angels. Every child had a gift in his/her hand. Happy smiles of joy were flashing everywhere around.

The Belin Global Ministry would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor of Midvaal Municipality, Mr. Timothy Nast and his wife and the Director in the Mayor’s office, Dot Corrigan for their generous support at this time of the year. Most children in the squatter camps of South Africa are expecting no gifts this Christmas. Thank you for making this happen on the agreed date. We would like to single out Dot Corigan for her hard work and taking upon her shoulders to organise and arrange everything on time, and making sure that the children’s party becomes a success.

The Mayor donated the following for the Kids Christmas party;

· White tent

· Lunch for the kids (200 kids)

· 200 Christmas presents

· Kids Transport (to and from the squatter camp)

· Paying the artists

· Paying the sound system

“May God bless the Mayor and all those who bring support to the community of Silahliwe.” Said one of the parents who was watching as the kids were receiving their Christmas gifts and food.

“When I grow up I want to be a Mayor.” Said little Pheelo Makhanda, a 10 year old boy.