Children with special needs and those on drugs and substance abuse must feel welcome in society, and the government, together with non-governmental organisations, need to work actively towards accommodating them.
This was a message by the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane during his election campaign trail. He was invited by Ikhaya Elitsha Foundation at the eatery Kwa-Ace eKitchen in Khayelitsha on Saturday evening.
The foundation invited Mr Mabuyane to see their mission and vision, not only in Cape Town but also in the Eastern Cape.
The event was attended by different traditional leaders, the ANC provincial chairperson Vuyiso “JJ” Tyhalisisu, ANC Regional chairperson Ndithini Tyhido and church leaders from different churches and a few community members.
Founder, Thembisa Madlamini Skaap, as already bought land in Umtata for a school for children with autism. Ms Skaap said the foundation wanted to expand its footprint, especially in the Eastern Cape.
Addressing the Eastern Cape Premier she told him that she was touched to hear that a woman was running a school of autism in rented houses in the province. Wanting to see for herself, she visited the province and bought land for the women for an autism school.
“Premier, that woman was really struggling. She had to rent here and there. When I heard that I went to her and had to do something for her,” she said, adding that she later heard the premier had bought water tanks for the school.
“We invited you today, together with these members of the foundation to let you know about our work. We are also interested in having a few things in your province. We did not call you here to ask for money. That must be clear. As the foundation we are prepared and willing to try and save our children who are abused, in drugs and substance abuse and women who are also in bandages,” she told him.
The foundation’s chairperson Thando Makaphela said the foundation had paid specific attention to how children with barriers to learning, including disabilities, might be assessed to determine the levels of support needed to maximise opportunities for success in the society.
Mr Makapela emphasised that children everywhere are in need of help. He said it was an open secret that children are mostly involved in drugs and crime. He added that there is less help coming from the governments that is why as the foundation they have taken a position to do things themselves without relying on the government.
“We have not done much work. But we are at an advanced stage. We have just built our offices. A lot is to follow. Watch this space,” said Mr Makapela.
Listening to the foundation’s vision and mission, the premier expressed his gratitude for the invitation and his confidence in its members to help communities. He encouraged them to apply for the money so they can train people and create jobs. He said there is a lot of money that the government has to fund NGOs. He recommended that the foundation put their requests to him in writing.
“As leaders we are in position to link with people who can provide help. I would urge you to write a letter to me and I will see what I can do. But there is also the Department of Social Development that has money for organisations like yours. There are other government sectors too that can help,” he said.
He noted that there is a need for a special school and help for those who are addicted. Mr Mabuyane urged the foundation to help those in need without any hesitation. He said the government needs to work with the NGOs to fight crimes and drugs in the communities.
