Mandela Day: RenEnergy Africa and Thembalitsha Foundation unite #ItsInYourHands

For Mandela Day – 18 July 2024 – RenEnergy Africa partnered with the Thembalitsha foundation. Their mission is to transform the lives of the destitute, forgotten and vulnerable in South Africa through educational, health and training projects. Our RenEnergy team divided into three groups to actively participate in activities across three of their schools. This hands-on involvement allowed us to engage directly with the children and staff, contributing to their daily operations and supporting their mission.

1.   Graceland preschool located in Devon Valley Stellenbosch

Graceland Preschool is the only registered preschool in the Devon Valley area dedicated to serving the children of farm workers, aged 3 to 5 years. Covering 17 farms, the preschool adopts a holistic approach to education, emphasising key developmental areas including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual growth. Their experienced and qualified staff, along with our comprehensive curriculum, adhere to all the standards set by the Department of Social Development, ensuring a nurturing and compliant learning environment. Through their excellent Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme, they instil a passion for learning in a loving, safe and inspiring environment.

Our team spent the day engaging with children through various activities like drawing, and decorating cupcakes. Additionally, we raised internal funds, collected food items and children’s clothes to donate to the school upon our departure. We want to extend a warm thank you to Graceland and the incredible work they are doing in the community. The commitment your teachers invest into purpose is truly admirable.

“It was a wonderful experience being around a group of kids and their teachers. They were so happy that we chose to visit them for Mandela Day. The pre-school is well organised. The bond between them and the rest of the RenEnergy staff was just amazing. We enjoyed ourselves and I believe the kids enjoyed themselves too.” 

- Sfiso Masimula, Asset Management Technician, RenEnergy Africa

2.   Agape Educare situated in the informal settlement of Asanda Village, Strand

The Agape premises include three classrooms, a well-equipped outdoor play area, a fully functioning kitchen, an official vehicle, and our own food garden. Agape is dedicated to fostering a well-balanced and healthy childhood, creating an environment where children can thrive in an atmosphere of unconditional love and care, which is essential for their early childhood development.

Our team had a wholesome day engaging with the young children through activities such as reading stories, dancing, and decorating cupcakes. We also left a donation box of food items and donated toys and blankets wherever possible. These contributions support the children's needs and align with the school's mission.

“It was lovely to interact with the children, they were all so full of life and character. My team enjoyed every second of dancing and storytelling. It bought out a joyous light in all of us. We cannot wait to see them again.”

- Tanya Peens, Finance Manager, RenEnergy Africa

3.   Thembani educare, located in the peri-urban area of Grabouw

Thembani meets a critical community need – providing essential early childhood development for children who would otherwise not receive adequate foundation essentials in education. Thembani caters for the children of seasonal farm workers on surrounding fruit farms as well as children of day hospital staff and police officers.

Our team partnered with Just Trees to donate and plant four trees, providing much-needed shade for the school playground during the hot summer months. They also enjoyed a variety of activities with the children, including singing, engaging in fun interactions, and decorating cupcakes. Special thanks to Just Trees for making the day memorable!

“The day was truly special, filled with smiles and laughter with the little ones and the joy of planting trees. The children's faces lit up as they decorated cupcakes with colourful icing, each creating their own little masterpiece. They proudly showed off their creations—right before their masterpieces ended up in their tummies! It turns out, the simplest activities can bring the most joy and the stickiest fingers, creating lasting memories and a bit of a mess!”

- Boeta Jordaan, Technical Project Manager, RenEnergy Africa

In conclusion, Claude Peters – MD of RenEnergy Africa – celebrates the opportunity to partner with change-makers and bringing hope to the youth of South Africa, as they will be an intricate part of our future. In a final sentimental statement, he adds: “We believe in the next generation.”