The Young Communist League showed its caring side yesterday.
Members of the league took time off to spent the whole day with children at Nkosi’s Haven in Kibler Park, Joburg.
The close to 100 children, who are either abandoned or HIV infected, were treated to a braai and also had an opportunity to mingle with actors from the TV soapie Rhythm City.
They were taken on a tour of Soweto, which culminated in a visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West.
The children also spent some time with professional soccer players like Marc Haskins, of Bidvest Wits, Monti Mogolo, of Free State Stars, and Shere Lekgothoane, of Moroka Swallows.
YCL general secretary Buti Manamela was expected to grace the event, but by late afternoon had not arrived.
YCL spokesman Khaya Xaba said the aim of the visit was to make the children aware of the country’s history and also make them aware that society cared for them.
Xaba said the visit was the second by the YCL in two years, and they now intended doing it annually.
“What these children need most is role models, especially father figures they can look up to. What we are doing is social responsibility and also to show those less fortunate than us that we care,” said Xaba.
Nkosi’s Haven is a refuge for HIV-positive mothers and their children. It was founded in 2008 by Gail Johnson, who had adopted an HIV-positive Nkosi, whose mother, debilitated by the disease, was no longer able to care for him.
Johnson said she was very encouraged by organisations like the YCL who made it a point to spend some time with the children at the haven.
“You just have no idea how important such visits are to these children. I am very appreciative of this gesture by actors from Rhythm City and the YCL,” she said.
Rhythm City actor Peter Sephuma, who plays Miles Vilakazi, said it was always important to make all children feel loved.
Another Rhythm City actor, Nolo Phiri, who plays Niki, said she had always loved children and it was gratifying for her to spend the day at Nkosi’s Haven.
“You will be surprised to know that these kids follow our soapie, and they asked me a lot of questions pertaining to it. It is such a humbling experience,” she said.
The visit comes a few days after the 10th anniversary of the death of Nkosi on June 1, 1991.
“We really enjoyed being with members of the YCL and Rhythm City.
“We also took a lot of pictures with them. I must say we had a whale of a time,” said Musa, one of the children
at the home.