AfriGIS upholding Madiba's legacy in comforting the lives of women and children

AfriGIS collected and donated 100 comfort packs for the victims in 2016, and to mark Madiba’s 100th year in 2018, we wanted to do our part again in donating 100 comfort packs, as well as creating a more engaging and ongoing platform in cementing his legacy. This took shape in various projects, including improving the victims’ environment by transforming the counselling space and adding a separate playroom for the children. The playroom includes various toys, assorted books with colouring pens and pencils, as well as a mini jungle gym area for children to play in. “It is important for the children to be able to see a more positive outlook after a traumatic event, especially when they have had a great deal of hardships in their short lives,” says Christa Welthagen, HR Manager at AfriGIS.

Calcamite Tanks and Alers Jungle Gyms formed part of the AfriGIS Mandela Day initiative by providing much-valued sponsorships. This included contributing towards comfort pack items by Calcamite Tanks that were delivered to the Unit on the Mandela day. Alers Jungle Gyms supplied the mini jungle gym for the playroom, as well as additional paint and tools for the makeover and assisted AfriGIS in transforming the counselling and playroom area.

According to Captain Solly Ngobeni, one of the SAPS FCS’s main goals is to get the victims out of the abusive traumatic mentality by not only providing them with items, but to also give them an environment that is welcoming, safe and warm. “Our jobs are not easy, and the space that we have been conducting our investigations in were not making it easier for our victims. With the help of AfriGIS and other companies, we can finally say that we are a step ahead in improving the lives of the women and children, and thus the lives of their families. With that said, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” he commented.

Col. Malatji added, “Thank you AfriGIS, Alers Jungle Gyms and Calcamite Tanks. This really adds so much value to what we do in our daily operations. Not only does this assist our victims emotionally, but also helps us to add positive thinking in the victims’ lives, especially the young ones. It gives a proactive action plan in engaging with them which is instrumental in building a case against the attacker.”

The day concluded with the handover of the 100 comfort packs that consisted of various items that were repacked in the renovated counselling room, as well as receiving a brief introduction conducted by Captain Solly Ngobeni who provided a scope of what the SAPS FCS is all about and what resources are used to conduct such cases. We also got to hear from one of the social workers about their experiences, challenges and highlights with some of their victims (anonymously) and got to understand how hard life is in their difficult and emotional environment.

AfriGIS is privileged to be a part of this cause and will continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Nelson Mandela started a legacy and we continue to fight his fight in the betterment of those less fortunate.

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