Madiba Day 2010

What a privilege! This year's Nelson Mandela day turned out to be a life-changing experience for the kids of Sizabantwana and everybody involved.

One hundred overexcited kids, predominantly orphaned by aids, were picked up by Induna Adventures for a memorable day at the local Southern Sun resort, Sabie River Sun. This rich and rewarding experience was filled with food and drink, fun in the sun and presents to cherish and take home.


On arrival, Damien and his PA system further fanned the kids' excitement by announcing this long awaited day open! The mini soccer world cup got off to a flying start, while the volley ball matches made sure that no one was left out of the fun. Shakira could certainly have learned some new moves in the "hold nothing back" dancing competition, while the water balloon volleyball provided many laughs! Prizes were handed out through the day as an accolade of victory over life's difficult curveballs that torment these underprivileged children. A spoon-and-egg run, cricket games and other traditional African games all had a part to play in stimulating the deepest of our emotions, muscles, and laughter faces.

Somewhere in between these games the chefs of Sabie River Sun brought in trays and trays of boerewors rolls to feed the hungriest of mouths, as well as juice and bottomless ice cold water to keep everybody hydrated. This might have been the last and only meal they would have for the day... "Six months ago we improved the kids' dietary intake, and you can just see the difference! Some had red hair as a sign of malnutrition, but today everybody looks in good shape!' said Frank Mashego - the initiator and heart behind the nonprofit organization, SizaBantwana.

The gifts and presents was spot to the needs that these children experience day by day. Pillows and blankets, soccer balls and vuvuzelas, books and magazines, pens and toys. Imagine how you felt when you got your first bike! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone involved in making this Nelson Mandela Day one to remember for years to come. "This was so far one of the highlights of my year" said Jaco Lubbe from Induna Adventures. Roger Petyt, GM of Sabie River Sun said. "As a corporate entity, we would like to extend our involvementon a regular basis".

From the organizers to the children felt changed and rejuvenated! To give away to those in need leaves you with a feeling of meaningfulness. If you want to be involve as an individual or a corporate entity visit http://www.sizabantwana.org/ and start making a difference.

(The boy in the right was still an infant when he joint SizaBantwana.
He had no parents to suport him and lived with his granma who's deaf-mute)

The Children of SizaBantwana want to extend their thanks to:

Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resort

Induna Adventures

Sunbake

De Rust Butchery...Johan

Pine Lake Lifestyle Resort

Sandra Humpkins of RagbagSA

Holly, Vallery and all at castrol