Akacia Health Care Centre give children a Mandela Day to remember

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Both the home and centre was started by a volunteer social worker, Maria Gaba, better known as Mama Maria, 19 years ago.

The home and centre assists 160 abused and displaced children in Windmill Park.

On Mandela Day, while all the kids were at school, a surprise was being prepared.

About 40 employees from Akacia Health Care, which is a pharmaceuticals company in Isando, volunteered their effort, resources, and more than 67 minutes of their time to paint, tile and repair the home and centre, while also fitting carpets and replacing ceilings and cupboards.

“The church has been helping Mama Maria for almost six years with food and clothing. and only four children receive government grants. We as Akacia staff donated money from our own pockets to buy building material, bedding and food for the home to give it a make-over,” says Chris Brassel, who is the product manager for Akacia Health Care.

“I feel so overwhelmed. I see God’s face today after so many years of struggling. The house is looking excellent and I feel so excited and honoured. It’s far beyond what I expected. Akacia have not only made my day, they’ve made my world,” says Mama Maria.

Maria says she was abused at the age of six, but she had no one to turn to. This is the reason why she wants to put a stop to abuse and reach out to young children, giving them a safe haven.

The orphanage home was started in 1994, and the daycare centre three years later.

On the day, the children had their faces painted, received goody bags, a warm meal and new bedrooms.

Their big smiles said it all, as they enjoyed the attention.

One of the orphans, six-year-old Sbu, who was left by his mother when he was just six weeks old, shares a birthday with Madiba.

Staff members from Akacia brought a cake for him.

“I really appreciate what they’ve done and wish them the best. We depend on good samaritans, and so we pray for their businesses to prosper,” said Mama Maria.