Celebrations were in order recently when a rebuilt crèche facility, devastated by the recent tornado, was handed back to the community.
When the devastating tornado struck Tongaat on the KwaZulu-North Coast on June 3, this year, at least 12 people were killed and thousands of buildings and homes – among them the Qoqisizwe Creche in Magwaveni township – were destroyed.
Thirteen other early childhood development centres were also severely damaged in the tornado, and the destruction of the 40-year-old Qoqisizwe Creche left more than 100 children without a day-care facility.
Through the efforts of various stakeholders, Partnership with Purpose was established to provide essential relief support to the Tongaat community, without duplicating efforts.
With generous contributions from various government and private sector organisations, including agri-processing company Tongaat Hulett, Partnership with Purpose rebuilt Qoqisizwe Creche within just two months.
When the creche was handed over on September 6 to founder and owner, Mandlenkosi Ntuli, 70, who caters for 115 children, there were big smiles on the faces of the kids and their parents who can return to work, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are being well cared for during the day.
The 10 employees – seven child minders, a cleaner, a cook, and a security guard – were also overjoyed when the creche reopened because they had been without work during the rebuilding.
Eduard Louw, project co-ordinator with Partnership with Purpose, acknowledged the generous contributions from various government and private sector partners.
“We take great pride in welcoming back over 115 children to the creche, as their parents begin to rebuild their lives.
“The handover of the creche holds significant importance for the Magwaveni community and the stakeholders who have continued to provide support and resources, particularly in an area where the majority of the devastation occurred.
“This handover ceremony symbolises hope and resilience for the families affected by this disaster,” he said.
Rob Aitken, acting CEO of Tongaat Hulett, said: “The rebuilding of Qoqisizwe Creche highlighted the strategic collaborations between businesses, NGOs, and government departments that drove positive impact on a key societal challenge in ways that leveraged each other’s unique strengths.”
