by Ncaba Ntshakala
Lwandle Methodist Home for Boys has received a generous donation worth E20,000 from Embiveni Meats, a subsidiary of Inyatsi Group Holdings.
The donation, comprising food and sanitary items, was handed over by Embiveni’s Managing Director, Phindile Matsebula, who was accompanied by her management team.
Welcoming the Embiveni team at the home were Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Training, Constance Simelane, and Church Board member Nokukhanya Gamedze.
Both expressed profound gratitude for the donation, which they said would greatly assist in meeting the daily needs of the boys under their care.
“We are beyond grateful for this contribution from Embiveni Meats and Inyatsi Group Holdings,” said Simelane.
“It is truly heartwarming to see corporate entities recognizing the struggles faced by vulnerable children and taking action to support them.
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This donation will go a long way in ensuring that the boys have sufficient nutrition and hygiene essentials.”
Speaking during the handover, Matsebula emphasized that Inyatsi Group Holdings’ Executive Chairman, Michelo Shakantu, is deeply committed to supporting young people, and this initiative was a reflection of that commitment.
“Executive Chairman Shakantu has always had a heart for young people, and as part of our group’s policies, we prioritize initiatives that uplift and empower the youth,” she stated.
“We believe that giving back to the community is not just a duty, but a responsibility that corporations must embrace.”
The Lwandle Methodist Boys Home, established in 1967, currently shelters 15 boys, many of whom were referred by the Social Welfare Office under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
some of the donated items.
The home operates under the care of a dedicated matron, LaNzima, and a groundsman who was once a resident himself.
While the home provides shelter and care, it faces numerous challenges, including limited resources to expand its agricultural projects, which serve as a crucial source of self-sustainability.
Again, when recognizing this need, Embiveni’s General Manager, Phasika Mahlanga, expressed the company’s interest in supporting the home’s farming initiatives.
“We understand that sustainability is key to the long-term well-being of these boys,” he said. “We would love to assist the home in expanding its poultry farming initiative so that they can increase their broiler production.”
The home had share that they are looking for the right support so that they could reach their goal of rearing 5,000 chickens, which would provide them with a stable income.
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The Methodist Boys Home currently has 34 acres of land available for agricultural activities, but due to limited resources, it has struggled to fully utilize this asset.
Expanding their poultry project and improving their infrastructure would allow them to care for more children, as they currently have over 12 children on their waiting list who cannot be accommodated due to space constraints.
Furthermore, Simelane acknowledged the significance of corporate partnerships in sustaining the home.
“Support from companies like Embiveni Meats is crucial in ensuring that the boys have access to the essentials they need for a dignified life,” she said.
“We are incredibly thankful for their generosity and hope that this inspires other organizations to step in and lend a helping hand.”