Durban — Speaking at the handover event of the Fundani Children’s Home, a project that cost over R7 million to build, Vivian Reddy, founder and chairperson of the Sibaya Community Trust, shared his delight at yet another children’s home being made available by the Sibaya Community Trust – Khulani Shelter, an NPO serving the needs of vulnerable and orphaned children.
“Our investment marks a significant testament to our commitment to community upliftment, which not only brings hope but a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable of our people,” said Reddy.
“We are delighted to have invested in Khulani Shelter, an NPO striving to ensure that our youth are taken off the streets and provided with a place of safety, warmth and comfort.
“We are especially heartened that this facility serves to rehabilitate our youth, equipping them with the necessary life skills to become productive members of society.”
Reddy paid tribute to Mum Prudence, the founder of Khulani Shelter, for her extensive work in creating a sanctuary at a time when the HIV/ Aids pandemic left countless children orphaned and vulnerable.
“On Friday, as we handed over this shelter, we were not just transferring a building, we were passing on a legacy of love, care and hope. We were ensuring Khulani continues to be a place where children can dream, thrive and transform their future,” Reddy said.
The Sibaya Community Trust has invested over R270m in philanthropic community work. The trust understands that, by working together, it can make a significant difference in the lives of the masses.
At this stage, the trust is also completing the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in Nonoti, KwaDukuza, which will serve as a community centre from where various humanitarian projects will take place.
Stanton Johnson, chairperson of the Khulani Shelter, said that for 15 years they had been knocking on doors for help with no response until Reddy had approved the project. Reddy said he had the highest regard and respect for NPOs such as Khulani that do tremendous work in society.
“They are the unsung angels who work silently, undertaking the most difficult of tasks,” he said.
Reddy extended his deepest gratitude to the project team and a special thanks to Construction for Africa for the beautiful building.
eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba said the handover of the Fundani Children’s Home was a momentous occasion as this act of kindness symbolised a commitment to the welfare and future of vulnerable children in our community.
“Through this gesture, the Sibiya Community Trust is leading the way and we want to encourage other businessmen and women to follow suit. We strongly believe that it is when government works together with the private sector and civil society that we can address the developmental challenges that bedevil our society.
“You will agree with me that we live in a society where children are experiencing all forms of abuse and it is heart-warming to see patriots like Mr Reddy contributing towards creating a safe environment and a brighter future for our children.”
Also, in attendance, Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks said the government had invested in children through various services like education, health, access to clean water, health, electricity and currently it has the biggest social assistance programme aimed at protecting children.
However, there remained a large number of children who were vulnerable and indigent.
“The work done by such NPOs supported by the private sector goes a very long way in assisting the government to meet the challenges facing our children today,” he said.
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Daily News