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FM makes Sizamile Daycare a colourful and safe place for 60 children in Kayamandi
Every year on 18 July, Mandela Day, the team from Facilities Management contributes 67 minutes (more like 67 hours or more!) of their time to help make this world a better place. They chose the Sizamile Daycare Centre in Kayamandi for their Mandela Day initiative this year.
Although a lot of work is done on Mandela Day, Aloma Fourie and the rest of the "usual suspects" at SUFM start planning and implementing many initiatives long before this day.
The facilities at Sizamile Daycare needed urgent repairs and improvements. The team repaired, upgraded, and even created new equipment from old materials to rejuvenate the playground into a welcoming and fun space for all the kids to enjoy. They also upgraded and fixed plumbing, roof, windows, carpeting, and other issues.
The Facilities Management team collaborated with various stakeholders, specifically contractors and suppliers, who supported and donated multiple items and time.
The playground had a complete makeover, which included repairs and painting of the swings, jungle gym, and the surrounding areas.
The upgrade of the play area also required the creative repurposing of various elements, including the painting and placement of tree stumps, tyres, and river stones.
IT support The Ark of Refuge with donations
Our Information Technology Division this year chose The Ark of Refuge, to support as their Mandela Day initiative. The Ark City of Refuge is a registered non-profit organization based in Faure. The Ark provides a compassionate temporary home for destitute, homeless, abandoned and abused individuals, including women, children and men. In addition to shelter, they offer essential food and clothing, making a significant impact on the nearly 1 000 residents and local community members who rely on their support.
Based on their needs, the IT staff collected pillows, bed linen and non-perishable food and toiletries for the organisation and donated it to them on Mandela Day. On Tuesday, 10 September 2024, the IT team proudly handed over all the donations collected as part of their Mandela Day initiative to The Ark City of Refuge. They were joined by Crafton Cornelius, the public relations officer and two volunteers who assisted with the collection of donations.
Chief Director Antoinette van der Merwe says The Ark of Refuge align with the IT Division's values. “The Ark of Refuge serves vulnerable populations, and supporting such causes demonstrates our division's deep sense of empathy and care for people. It highlights a drive to extend compassion beyond the workplace, recognizing the importance of addressing social issues and inequalities. It's also a way of demonstrating that the IT Division is not only committed to internal goals but is also accountable to the larger community and we also take responsibility in service to society."
Antoinette says the Ark's work signals respect for all people regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. “This action mirrors the value of treating everyone with dignity, as Madiba Day itself is a celebration of Nelson Mandela's legacy of equality and human rights."
She says the cause itself is significant for her because Mandela Day honours Madiba's lifelong dedication to justice and equality, values that resonate universally and within the IT division. “Supporting The Ark of Refuge aligns with our mission of social responsibility and reflects a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of people in need."
Crafton expressed his gratitude, saying: "On behalf of The Ark City of Refuge, we thank you for your kindness, love and help towards our Ministry. Bless your generosity. A heartfelt thank you for all that you've contributed and donated."
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this initiative successful!?
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