Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has donated R200,000 to the Tembisa Child Welfare Society, in Ekurhuleni, on his 44th birthday to help provide care and support to abandoned, abused, orphaned and neglected children.
The donation was also a token of appreciation for the organisation’s work in caring for the needy children.
Malema celebrated his birthday at the centre on Monday, March 3, where he expressed his gratitude for the staff who provide care for the needy children.
“When you are working for these people, it's not about you, but a calling. It's a calling to love someone like the way you do,” he said.
“You were called to do this, to get up and help the needy. That’s a calling, and there’s no other way that we can say thank you, but to come in front of you to appreciate the beautiful work that you are doing.”
Malema underscored the importance of work done at the centre, saying that they could have celebrated anywhere, but chose to do so at the welfare society because of its dedication to assisting those in need.
Malema reaffirmed his commitment to lending a helping hand at the centre, encouraging them to reach out if they need help.
“That’s how we reached here. From today, you and I have built a relationship. If you are in need of something, you will call and we will see how we can help you,” Malema said.
The party leader announced a donation of R200,000, which he said would help in expanding the centre.
“Today (Monday) we are leaving you with R200,000, which will help you to build this centre,” he said to applause and laughter from the centre’s staff.
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He lauded the centre’s role in producing successful people who were once housed at the welfare society, and expressed his hope that more would follow.
“We want Tembisa Welfare Centre to grow, and we thank you for the fact that this centre has already produced doctors, teachers, engineers. More of them are still going to be produced here with the support that you will be getting from us,” Malema said.
Malema also addressed the issue of rumours and false information, calling on staff to disregard divisive gossip.
“There will always be talks everywhere, but don’t lose hope. Don’t follow the talks that are not building you, but follow those that grooms you. Mama Velemina is the one that is leading you, and she’s even organising fundraisers. We don’t want to hear the talk that she swindled the money.”
Malema also cautioned against spreading lies within the centre, warning that it could cause great divisions.
“There will always be those who are crooks trying to start lies. Never listen to lies on the streets but to the rules of the centre.
“If there’s something, it will be addressed by the management and explained how it was solved,” Malema added.
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