DELMAS – Eskom's Kusile Power Station donated furniture, equipment and educational resources worth thousands of rand to the Delmas Eloff Eco Village Centre during a Mandela Week handover aimed at strengthening the non-profit organisation's education, skills development and community support programmes.
The donation, handed over on Thursday, 16 July, included chairs, office tables, learner desks, laptops, a multifunction printer, stationery, paint, gumboots and other equipment to support the centre's daily operations.
The event formed part of Eskom's Mandela Week corporate social responsibility programme and was attended by Victor Khanye Local Municipality(VKLM) Executive Mayor Vusi Buda, representatives from the Departments of Social Development and Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service (SAPS), community members and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the handover, Eskom Kusile Power Station representative Joseph Mashaba said the donation was intended to improve the lives of beneficiaries and strengthen community development.
“This whole event is about the beneficiaries of this centre. It is not about you or me, but about the people whose lives will be improved by these items. We are here to make a difference through our corporate social responsibility programme.”
Mashaba said Kusile Power Station supports community projects across Delmas, eMalahleni, Belfast, Dr JS Moroka, Thembisile Hani and Bronkhorstspruit, adding that Eskom would monitor donated assets to ensure they continue benefiting communities.
Eco Village Operations Manager Amanda Mabaso said the organisation depends on partnerships and donations to sustain its early childhood development, aftercare, school readiness and skills development programmes.
“We depend on stakeholders who support us with resources and funding so that we can continue serving the community. Every contribution helps us improve the lives of children and families in Delmas.”
Eco Village founder and centre manager Pastor Nthabiseng Mokoena said the donation would significantly improve the centre's accredited computer training programme.
“We only had three laptops that we were using for accredited computer training, and it was a struggle. These additional laptops and the multifunction printer will make our work much easier.”
Mokoena said the centre also assists unemployed residents with CV preparation, printing services and skills development programmes, including sewing and carpentry.
Community Development Practitioner Nkululeko Skosana welcomed the donation, saying it would strengthen the services offered to vulnerable members of the community.
VKLM Executive Mayor Vusi Buda described the partnership as an example of what can be achieved when government, business and communities work together.
“Today's handover is more than just a ceremony. It demonstrates what is possible when government, state-owned entities, business and the community work together with a common purpose to improve people's lives.”
Buda encouraged more organisations to invest in community development initiatives to expand opportunities for local residents.
The event concluded with cultural performances by the Eco Village Traditional Dancers and children from the Eco Village Day Care Centre, celebrating Mandela Week and showcasing local talent.
