By Nangamso Mabindla
18 November 2005

NEEDY children from Sophakama Junior Primary School in the impoverished township of Mdantsane could not believe their eyes when they received clothing and fruit from a local business woman on Wednesday, 16 November.

Fezeka Guzana, who lives in Mdantsane, was assisted by other businesses and the council-owned East London Fresh Produce Market. She handed over to the youngsters clothes, fruit and vegetables.

"This area is closest to my heart and I wanted to give something back to my community. I thought what better way is there than to give these children the basic necessities that some of them lack," Guzana said.

It was not only youngsters who received gifts, however. Senior citizens in the township also benefited from the contribution. "We can never neglect senior citizens [in] our communities, that is why I also wanted to include them in my project."

Guzana thanked all the businesses that had assisted her, but challenged other businesses in Mdantsane to do the same. "I also want to thank the municipal fresh produce market for giving us fruit and vegetables."

Ward 37 Councillor Sizwe Mqombothi was happy that there were people who still wanted to put smiles on young people's faces. "Initiatives like these make youngsters feel appreciated, and this in turn reminds them that they don't need to turn to crime to escape poverty."

He urged businesses to work with the government in its effort to eradicate poverty in the province.