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17 April 2007

More than 120 neglected children and orphans ranging between five and 14 years ululated and sang praises as the Minister of Correctional Services, Ngconde Balfour, delivered new furniture, beds and mattresses and vegetables to their home of safety, Mzomtsha Orphanage in Ngqeleni, near Umtata in the Eastern Cape.

The donation is part of the products manufactured by inmates at the Umtata Correctional Centre whilst the vegetables are cultivated in the centre's vegetable garden. The donation also included clothing as well as soccer and rugby balls.

Handing over the donation, Minister Balfour said the department has adopted the orphanage in line with its poverty alleviation programme aimed at contributing to the development of local communities and also bringing correctional services closer to communities.

"Through this donation, we want to ensure that these kids have a brighter future and also grow in a healthy environment so that they become part of the next generation of leaders," he said.

Minister Balfour said the decision to adopt the orphanage was based on the "need to create a permanent home for neglected children so as to create a stable environment for their upbringing."

The Chief Executive Office of the Orphanage, Ms Noni Xengana, could not control her excitement when three huge trucks loaded with the donations entered the yard followed by a convoy of hooting vehicles that were part of the Minister's entourage.

"This is government delivery at its best," she exclaimed in excitement.

The Mayor of Nyandeni Local Municipality, Ms Thokozile Sokhanyile, said the contribution made by correctional services to the development of the local community and improvement of the quality of life of the orphans and neglected children was "humbling and also unprecedented in the history of the local municipality".

Both Ms Sokhanyile and Minister Balfour handed over a vegetable garden project to the orphanage after cultivating the first seedlings of the garden which will be maintained by inmates of the Ngqeleni correctional centre.

The inmates are also renovating and refurbishing the orphanage as part of the department's rehabilitation and social reintegration programme for offenders.

Earlier, Minister Balfour addressed a community Imbizo where he encouraged residents to fully engage with the democratic processes by participating in the affairs of the local council and also hold their public representatives accountable with regard to service delivery and social development.

Enquiries:
Luphumzo Kebeni
Cell: 082 453 2244

Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
17 April 2007