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Kiddies centre gets a boost

THANK YOU: Wendy Ramakgadi, Andrew Ntshangase and Oupa Sibeko with children from Sinqobile Day Care Centre. © Sowetan.
THANK YOU: Wendy Ramakgadi, Andrew Ntshangase and Oupa Sibeko with children from Sinqobile Day Care Centre. © Sowetan.

Nthabisang Moreosele

Nthabisang Moreosele

The Sinqobile Day Care Centre received a boost when choreographer Wendy Ramakgadi presented them with a cheque for R5 000.

The centre in Driezicht - a shack settlement with no proper housing, education or recreation near Orange Farm in Gauteng - was founded by four young men from the better side of the tracks.

Trevor Mashiteng, Dumisani Macanda, Andrew Ntshangase and Oupa Sibeko opened a creche in Driezicht Ext 9. They depend on donations to feed the 40 children in their care.

Ramakgadi, of Ekasi entertainment, has been involved in charity since 1985. He trained Arthur Mafokate, Mandoza and Chiskop.

He says he struggled to get his community projects off the ground.

"I believe in giving back to the community and I have voluntarily trained people across South Africa," Ramakgadi says.

"I worked with 1 500 children for this year's charity spectacular. They danced for the president on Women's Day. I unearth hidden talent.

"People outside Gauteng are hungry for development and to display their talent."

He says a client owed him money and he decided to give some of it to charity.

"I bought the Sowetan and read about the incredible work these youngsters are doing. I was impressed by their passion to help the community," Ramakgadi says.

"Then a colleague mentioned the plight of orphans. It was then that I realised God was talking to me.

"We always plan to give when we become millionaires, something that will never happen.

"I invite other artists to help the community that reared and built us. A little goes a long way. The children do not have shoes and the weather is chilly."

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