Tlokwe-Members of the North West Province’s Detective Service visited the Sizabantu Aids Project in Ikageng, led by Colonel RC Mocwane and Lieutenant Colonel P Mocwane. The project serves people infected or affected by HIV/Aids, the disabled, as well as vulnarable people who are victims of abusive relationships.

“A slight nip in the air and whirling dust could not dampen the spirit among members of the Detective Service attached to the North West Provincial Office when they ‘did it for Madiba’ on 18 July 2013” captain Pelonomi Makau said.

Armed with an array of clothing, canned food and other groceries, fruit and vegetables, as well as other consumables, they took to Sizabantu Aids Project in Extension 7, Ikageng, on the outskirts of Potchefstroom, where they were warmly welcomed by the project co-ordinator and inhabitants, their pastor, neighbours, family and friends.

“The project is home to some 20 young children and 10 adults all infected or affected by HIV/Aids or some form of disability. At the helm is Sophy Nyenye Mathale, who started the project in 2009 without a cent to her name” Makau said. 

From her humble four-roomed house she is serving her community with pride.

Makau said Mathale’s biggest dream and everything she hopes for is to extend the house in order to be able to accommodate all the children and adults in need. 

“The barren foundation and half-built extensions is a constant reminder of her goal and she is not put off by the fact that she is running short of funds” she said.

Currently, some of the children and adults are accommodated with neighbours and friends at night, as she does not have sufficient space for everyone to sleep, but during the day the house is filled to capacity with over 30 mouths to feed.

“Not only is the project assisting those with HIV/Aids, vulnerable children and adults, who are victims of abusive relationships, are also welcome to knock on this Good Samaritan’s door” police said. 

With no funding, they are struggling to make ends meet, and donations such as those made by the members of the Detective Service serves as an encouragement to them.

Members were so impressed by what they saw that it was decided to adopt the project in order to try and secure sponsorships for the completion of the extensions to the house, as well as for food and other requirements. 

“The project will also be visited regularly to ensure the well-being of all and to assist wherever needed” police said.

The event was lead by Colonel RS Mocwane, Acting Provincial Head of the Detective Service, who was heartily supported by all the members under his command. Both Colonel Mocwane and Lieutenant Colonel Mocwane offered all present a word of encouragement and conveyed a message of hope from the National Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, as well as the Provincial Commissioner of the North West Province, Lieutenant General MNZ Mbombo.

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