Afrika Tikkun, a client of Flow PR, opened the Zolile Malindi Community Centre in the Western Cape informal settlement Mfuleni on Thursday, 19 July. Afrika Tikkun’s Patron-in-Chief, Nelson Mandela, celebrated his 94th birthday the day before and much of the ceremony was dedicated to the values he represents.
Several hundred people, mainly members of the local community, gathered in the community centre for the grand opening, which included various traditional performances in addition to a variety of speeches.
Flow PR assisted Afrika Tikkun with public and media relations leading up to the event and I had the honour of attending on their behalf. It was inspirational to see what had been achieved at the premises in Mfuleni, despite numerous challenges, such as initial resistance from the very community due to benefit from the centre. A large number of people made personal sacrifices to ensure that the centre was completed as planned and many children in this poverty-stricken area now have a brighter future as a result.
The centre is run in partnership with the City of Cape Town, and the use of this new building, owned by the sport, recreation and amenities department ensures that the community will benefit from child and youth development programmes, family support services, primary health care, early childhood development and nutrition, food security and support services. It was built at a cost of R17.5 million and will immediately benefit around 1 300 children.
Afrika Tikkun CEO Mark Lubner said of the centre: “Before this centre opened, on weekdays, the streets of Mfuleni were filled with small children with no access to the critical educational opportunities offered by early childhood development facilities. Furthermore, the need to take care of children at home has prevented parents from being able to find employment. This centre will provide children with a safe and nurturing environment while preparing them for successful schooling.”
Afrika Tikkun has partnered with Growthpoint Properties and the organisations have committed to improving employment opportunities among South Africa’s youth. Shaun Theunissen of Growthpoint said in his speech that he had learnt something valuable from Afrika Tikkun Chairman, Bertie Lubner. “Something Berti Lubner said to me is that ‘success is measured not in what you are able to do for yourself, but what you are able to do for others’,” said Theunissen.
Any members of the media wishing to visit the Zolile Malindi Community Centre can contact Catherine Taylor of Afrika Tikkun on +27 (0)21 448 0120.