67 HANDS PROJECT LAUNCHED ON MANDELA DAY TO PROVIDE RELIEF AND COMFORT FOR DISADVANTAGED AND UNDER-PRIVILEGED SENIOR CITIZENS
(Mrs Anitha Pillay, chief social worker at DAFTA, Mr Ravesh Naidoo, Mr Krish Govender (chairperson of 67 Hands) and Mrs Maggie Govender, member of provincial parliament, at the launch of 67 HANDS project)
A NEW INNOVATIVE PROJECT BY CONCERNED AND COMMITTED SOCIAL ACTIVISTS
By Subry Govender
A new, innovative project has been launched on Nelson Mandela International Day in Durban to complement work being undertaken to provide comfort and relief for disadvantaged and marginalised senior citizens.
The 67 Hands project, an initiative of the Durban Association for the Aged (DAFTA), was launched at a special Nelson Mandela Day function at the Durban South Service Centre in Merebank on Saturday(July 18 2015).
The function was attended by a number of prominent personalities, including Judge Mohini Moodley, who was the master of ceremonies; Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul of the University of KZN, who spoke on the life and times of Nelson Mandela; and Mrs Maggie Govender, member of the provincial parliament and former MEC for Housing.
(Mr Eddie Govender, Mrs Tilly Govender, Mr T M Govender, and Mr Krish Govender)
Disclosing details of the project, the chairperson, Mr Krish Govender, a businessman and treasurer of DAFTA, told the invited guests that the project was launched as part of their appreciation for the 67 years that Mandela had spent in bringing about, not only freedom for the people, but creating an enviroment for a "better life" for all people.
He said their first task would be to build a day care centre at Bonella (former Cato Manor) by the end of next year.
"By following the life of Nelson Mandela, we can make a difference in the lives of our communities," he said.
"I seriously hope that this project will run for 67 years. The object of this project is to find 67 patrons or hands who will pledge R6 700 a year.
"We would use this money on a dedicated project and the committee has decided that the first project we would embark on is the building of a day care centre at Bonella in former Cato Manor.
"It's an area that comprises the rainbow community with people of all walks of life - the rich, the poor and the different colours.
"The senior citizens of Bonella had already raised R6 700 for the project."
He said the project committee comprised three other businessmen, Mr Nad Archary (deputy chairperson); Mr Ravesh Naidoo (co-ordinator and PRO) and Mr Eddie Govender (treasurer). Ms Anitha Pillay, who is the chief social worker at DAFTA, is the secretary.
Mrs Govender, a former political activist, said in her speech that Nelson Mandela had left South Africans a legacy that "each one of us has a responsibility to continue with".
(Guests attending the launch of the 67 Hands project on Mandela Day (July 18 2015)
"In this regard we have to commend DAFTA for the work it has done in looking after the welfare of our senior citizens," she said.
She pledged her full support for the 67 Hands project as it was a noteworthy initiative to help marginalised communities.
DAFTA, which has been in existence for 44 years, focuses on empowerment and capacity building, poverty alleviation programmes, income generating projects, counselling for HIV-AIDs, home-based care, and adult basic education and training. The association facilitates several programmes, including 11 day care centres and 38 senior citizens clubs that promote social and recreational activities. - ends ms/dbn 082 376 9053
(Mrs Anitha Pillay, chief social worker at DAFTA, Mr Ravesh Naidoo, Mr Krish Govender (chairperson of 67 Hands) and Mrs Maggie Govender, member of provincial parliament, at the launch of 67 HANDS project)
A NEW INNOVATIVE PROJECT BY CONCERNED AND COMMITTED SOCIAL ACTIVISTS
By Subry Govender
A new, innovative project has been launched on Nelson Mandela International Day in Durban to complement work being undertaken to provide comfort and relief for disadvantaged and marginalised senior citizens.
The 67 Hands project, an initiative of the Durban Association for the Aged (DAFTA), was launched at a special Nelson Mandela Day function at the Durban South Service Centre in Merebank on Saturday(July 18 2015).
The function was attended by a number of prominent personalities, including Judge Mohini Moodley, who was the master of ceremonies; Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul of the University of KZN, who spoke on the life and times of Nelson Mandela; and Mrs Maggie Govender, member of the provincial parliament and former MEC for Housing.
(Mr Eddie Govender, Mrs Tilly Govender, Mr T M Govender, and Mr Krish Govender)
Disclosing details of the project, the chairperson, Mr Krish Govender, a businessman and treasurer of DAFTA, told the invited guests that the project was launched as part of their appreciation for the 67 years that Mandela had spent in bringing about, not only freedom for the people, but creating an enviroment for a "better life" for all people.
He said their first task would be to build a day care centre at Bonella (former Cato Manor) by the end of next year.
"By following the life of Nelson Mandela, we can make a difference in the lives of our communities," he said.
"I seriously hope that this project will run for 67 years. The object of this project is to find 67 patrons or hands who will pledge R6 700 a year.
"We would use this money on a dedicated project and the committee has decided that the first project we would embark on is the building of a day care centre at Bonella in former Cato Manor.
"It's an area that comprises the rainbow community with people of all walks of life - the rich, the poor and the different colours.
"The senior citizens of Bonella had already raised R6 700 for the project."
He said the project committee comprised three other businessmen, Mr Nad Archary (deputy chairperson); Mr Ravesh Naidoo (co-ordinator and PRO) and Mr Eddie Govender (treasurer). Ms Anitha Pillay, who is the chief social worker at DAFTA, is the secretary.
Mrs Govender, a former political activist, said in her speech that Nelson Mandela had left South Africans a legacy that "each one of us has a responsibility to continue with".
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