Sage South Africa supports Afrika Tikkun in celebration of Mandela Day

Sage South Africa recently celebrated Mandela Day with a fun-filled event at the Afrika Tikkun Wings of Life Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) in Diepsloot.

The ECD ensures that children between the ages of 0-6 are mentally and physically nourished, giving these children a better chance of breaking the poverty cycle.

The enjoyable day was in the form of a party, organised for the children from the centre. It included stimulating craft activities, such as Sage staff working with small groups of children to colour and decorate paper animal masks. A delicious lunch was then served to the children and staff. The day ended with each child being given a warm polar fleece beanie to help keep the winter chills at bay. “The kids really enjoyed the craft activities and appreciated their specially made beanies,” says Sipho Mamise, General Manager of the Afrika Tikkun Wings of Life centre in Diepsloot. In addition to the children’s party, the staff of Sage supported Afrika Tikkun’s Mandela Day initiative by packing 67 food parcels and raising over R 14 000 in cash.

“Sage’s contribution to Afrika Tikkun this year, once again showed that, as a company, we care about our community and that addressing their basic needs forms part of our social investment strategy,” says Tamsin Van Rooyen, Head of Marketing for Sage South Africa.

“Three years ago we formed a strategic partnership with Sage and their involvement each year makes an impact on the communities we operate in,” says Mamise. “Working together with corporate organisations means that we can do more in promoting a culture of self-sustainability rather than one of dependency on non-profit services.”

Mamise says that South Africa’s disadvantaged children face many unique challenges. For many such children, their daily life revolves around basic survival. The essentials that Afrika Tikkun provides address the educational, health and social needs of children as they are growing and developing, giving them the opportunity to grow into well-rounded adults who are equipped to positively contribute to society.

“Mandela Day is all about honouring one of the world’s most admired and revered leaders. At Sage, we also believe in the principle of giving is receiving and hope that in every way our involvement in the community, honours the contribution that Nelson Mandela made to South Africa and the world,” concludes Van Rooyen.