The Office of the Speaker in the North West Provincial Legislature, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Linah Miga, collaborated with the South African Legislative Sector (SALS) to provide support for people with disabilities. They recently donated food parcels and a cash sum of R20,210 to the Ithuto Community Disability Project in Moruleng.
A Philanthropic Initiative
The donations coincided with the Women’s Day celebrations and SALS Professional Development Seminar hosted at Sun City from August 7-9, 2023. The cash donation came from voluntary contributions made by delegates from all nine legislatures and the national parliament who attended the seminar.
Empowering People with Disabilities
Proactive community members established the Ithuto Centre in 2018 to teach valuable skills like upholstery and furniture making, manufacturing, wielding, and related equipment to people with disabilities. Currently, the center caters to 57 beneficiaries, mainly deaf and blind individuals. The center also produces furniture, linen, and other products like vases and pillows, which are sold to community members and organizations.
Generous Contributions
The National Lottery and Platina Mine have generously provided the center’s building, industrial machinery and equipment, as well as a water borehole and material. Hon. Linah Miga expressed her gratitude for the contributions made by the delegates and sponsors, including Sun City International. She emphasized that these donations are part of the community work of the Office of the Speaker and the legislative sector as a whole.
Urging for More Support
Hon. Miga urged the Moses Kotane Local Municipality to ensure that electricity is connected to the center’s new building, donated by Platina Mine. Adv. Eric Phindela, the Chairperson: Forum of Secretaries of the SA Legislative Sector, and Secretary to the National Council of Provinces, also took part in the initiative. He shared that the Secretaries of all the provincial legislatures, Secretary to Parliament, National Assembly, and Parliament made the conscious decision to urge delegates of the seminar to make voluntary cash donations to the Ithuto Centre. Their efforts resulted in an impressive sum of R20,210 being raised.
A Commemoration of Mandela Day and Women’s Month
Adv. Phindela highlighted this initiative as part of the Mandela Day and Women’s Month commemoration activities, emphasizing the importance of supporting communities through such kind and essential donations.
Creating Meaningful Change
The Ithuto People with Disability Centre has made tremendous strides in empowering and uplifting its beneficiaries since its inception. The support from the North West Legislature and South African Legislative Sector not only highlights the generosity of these institutions but serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of providing opportunities and resources to people with disabilities in local communities. The collaboration between these institutions and the Ithuto Centre provides a shining example of how communities can come together to create meaningful change and foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
