By CHRIS TOTOBELA
Local football side Sophia stars joined forces with Pick n Pay and a number of Rhodes University students to respond to the call to help on Mandela Day. Sophia Stars, an Extension 7 based outfit, identified a family in their community and decided to help them in their home.
Sophia Stars’ chairperson, Lindisipho ‘Teko’ Swaartbooi, said, “we noticed a lot of challenges that the family had and decided to do our bit to try and help them. Although we did not have the financial muscle to do everything, I am happy with what we have done for the Mncikane family and would like to appeal to [others]to assist them in whichever way they can.”
The joint venture helped the Mncikane family clean and paint their home, fix cupboards, and build a ramp for the wheelchair-bound breadwinner, who uses his Disability Grant to take care of his siblings as both of their parents passed away. The Mncikane family also received food parcels and blankets and enjoyed the company of their helpers for 67 minutes.
“We are very pleased to be part of this great initiative,” said Lonwabo Lebogang, who spoke on behalf of Pick n Pay, “and would like to urge the people not to wait for people like us to come and help their neighbours while they live with them every day and see how they need help. Lebogang, who did much of the electrical wiring, cupboard carpentry and the ramp, said community members should always be willing to help one another and not wait for the next Mandela Day.
“We are very pleased with what we have done for the Mncikane family,” he said.
The Sophia Stars are currently busy in pre-season training as they prepare for the start of the new Makana LFA season.
Representatives from Pick n Pay and Sophia Stars join celebrate Mandela Day. Photo: Chris Totobela