Thank you Friends

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you I first met on facebook/online and you are now making a difference in our communities. I dedicate this blog to all these young men and women who have shown commitment to community service especially in serving the kids who live in difficult conditions. I am touched by the love you have shown for these children. Visit: http://love-a-child.blogspot.com

I also dedicated this blog to my sister, Rev. Valerie Toney Parker of Chicago in the USA and the team of the youth she came with to South Africa to serve in the orphanage, the Malerato Centre of Hope in Mamelodi. That was in January, 01, 2011. She also contributed financially to the painting of the orphanage.

I cannot forget my friend, Pastor Roderick Belin who embraced the launch of the Benjamin Dube Children’s Foundation in September 2010. He is coming back to South Africa in Septmber 2011, and is raising funds to assist the kids in the Squatter Camp.

Ipeleng Moshe

I met Ipeleng Moshe for the first time on 18 July 2010. She drove all the way from SOWETO to Silahliwe Squatter Camp just to serve for 67 minutes as part of the Mandela Day’s annual celebration. She has responded to the invite from facebook. She brought clothes and food parcels for the kids. She chose a kid by the name of Nobovu whom she spent time with. She helped clean the house; she played, sang and danced with the kids. “This is the most wonderful thing I have ever done in my life – I would love to do this so often.” Said Ipeleng. Today she is a member of the Soweto Gospel Choir, and she will continue to represent kids as a One Child Matters – Mercy Ambassador.

Ipeleng Nyakong

I also met Ipeleng Nyakong for the first time on 18 July 2010. She took a long drive from Sandton to Silahliwe Squatter Camp in Meyerton. She was responding to a facebook invite. She bought clothes for the child of her choice, Mathapelo. Mathapelo is an orphan who lives with her grandmother. Her parents passed away and they depend on the government’s monthly grant. Ipeleng spent some quality time (67 minutes) with Mathapelo. “When I grow up I would like to drive a car like the one sister Ipeleng is driving” Said little Mathapelo.

Precious Sakhile Zamisa

On the same day we received yet another special friend who responded to the facebook invitation. She bought clothes for at least 8 children. She washed dishes, washed clothes for the child for the child of her choice, Refhiwe. She cleaned the house and spent time with the family.

Tshepo Mahlangu

I have not yet met this gentleman, but he also repsonded to the Nelson Mandela Day – 2010 invite. He is a facebook friend to my wife, Precious Busisiwe Mahlangu. He bought clothes for a child of his choice, Paulina and sent them by post. These clothes were presented to Paulina by Precious on 18 July 2010.

Tshepo Othaniel

This is yet another Tshepo, a friend to my wife Precious. He also responded to the invite on facebook. He bought toys for the children of his choice Nthathi Mokoena and Phindile Msimango. He managed to spend some 67 minutes with the two kids. He drove all the way from Limpompo just to serve at the Squatter Camp.

Nkanteko Shabangu

Nkateko Shabangu lives in Mamelodi East not far from the Malerato Centre of Hope. This is one centre we have been working with as One Child Matters. I linked Nkateko via facebook to the young man, Bongani Kakgiso Msiza who have been assisting in that orphanage for a long time. Since then, Nkateko has been an engine behind many activities taking place in that centre. Together with Bongani, they are doing a remarkable job. I met Nkateko for the first time on 01 January 2011 in the same orphanage.

Monica Ncongwane

Monica Ncongwane lives in Pretoria CBD. She has been following the Benjamin Dube Children Foundation activities on facebook. She quickly responded to the needs of children as published on facebook. She bought clothes for a child in Silahliwe Squatter camp, and joined the team of caregivers as they painted the orphanage walls on 12 February 2011. Kwekwe Stishi is the priviledge child to have received the clothes bought by Monica.

Lebohang Modisakeng

Lebohang also responded to messages on facebook and she had that burning desire to help a child. She bought clothes for a child of her choice, Bongani Makhanda in December 2010. She met with my wife sometimes towards the end of 2010. She expressed her love for the kids and how she is connected to Bonngani.

Ipeleng Ingrid Desiree Mokgadinyane

I met Ipeleng at the Malerato Centre of Hope on 12 February 2011 for the first time. I first met her on facebook as she responded to the messages of goodwill. I then linked her to Bongani Kakgiso Msiza who is in the forefront of running the Malerato Centre of Hope. She then invited friends and families to celebrate Christmas with children in that orphanage. Since then, Ipeleng has been working closely with Bongani and Nkateko.

Zanele Charity Thwala

Zanele is my latest friend to have responded to facebook invitation. She joined us on 04 June 2011 as we distributed food parcels and blankets to children donated by Foodbank and by the Wagner family respectively. She spent half of the day dishing food parcels and taking pictures with the kids. It was the first day I came face to face with Zanele. All along we have been communicating via facebook.

In conclusion, I also would like to thank Foodbank SA for the food parcels they donate on monthly basis; and a bigup to some of the friends I have met on the spot of service; Nikiwe Magwaza, Palesa Makua, Sophie Libisi and many, many friends who are not listed on this blog. And a big thanks to Bongane Msiza for being a good leader. Thanks to Lisa Ekman of Puppet Ministry and, to Mr and Mrs Verena Wagner. I will never forget the support from my beautiful wife Precious Busisiwe Mahlangu. I love you all!!!

Gospel Music Amassadors

• Themba Khoza

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