By Nangamso Mabindla
22 June 2007

ELDERLY folk in Gompo can now get more use and enjoyment out of their welfare centre, after a local businessman donated household goods on Thursday, 21 June.

Tiyo Tonisi, who grew up in the impoverished township, said that his company had decided to do something for the aged in his community. "We were approached by Ayanda Mbatyothi to take part in his annual Christmas lunch for the Gompo aged, but since we were busy with other social responsibilities [at the time] we decided to put them in this year's programme," Tonisi explained.

His company donated a hundred chairs, 200 glasses and plates and, to keep the aged warm during the cold East London winter, five heaters. "We hope these household goods will contribute to the smooth running of the centre. People need these basic household goods."

Tonisi said that as part of its social responsibility programme, his company was also involved in Aids care centres in Duncan Village. "It's a way of plowing back to the communities that produced us."

Mike Bassop, a member of the Eastern Cape provincial legislature, said that he appreciated the concept of businessmen plowing back into their communities. "This is in line with government policies regarding the need to do something for the communities that produce us. I am happy that there are individuals out there who are determined to plow back."

He urged other businessmen to follow such examples, saying it was his wish that government departments supported these smaller businesses so that, in turn, they could support their communities.