“We have not inherited this land from our ancestors; rather we have borrowed it from our children.” – African Proverb
Rain is a sign of good luck, especially in Africa. It fertilises the soil, waters plants, satiates wildlife, sustains communities, and it promises prosperity. On the morning that the Khumbulani Health and Education Resource Centre was poised to open, the heavens opened, too.
Thankfully for our guests, performers, and important attendees, after giving her much-appreciated blessing, Mother Nature cleared the sky just in time for Khumbulani’s official opening ceremony to begin.
The day will long be remembered by parents, teachers, sponsors, and all those who attended — which is fitting considering ‘remember’ is precisely what Khumbulani means in Xhosa. This was the theme of Western Cape Premier Helen Zille’s inspiring address.
For Premier Zille, remembrance is a two-way street; one that not only looks back to the past but one that extends into the future. She urged those in the audience to not only remember where we came from and the important lessons that we have learnt along the way, but to also remember our children and the legacy we are leaving behind for them long after we have departed.
Murmurs of affirmation and resounding agreement came from the audience as Mrs Zille spoke, not only promoting the importance of education, progression, and community unity but also the significance of the African principle of Ubuntu.
Attendees painted the tent a kaleidoscope of colours with traditional outfits being the order of the day. This warm atmosphere was only compounded by the sounds of a Marimba band whose joyful harmony reverberated throughout the tent during intervals while a chorus of song was sounded out by a community choir.
Despite Khumbulani’s inconspicuous beginnings in a family home over a decade ago, the three-story centre and daycare now occupies prime position on a corner block in Khayelitsha and has become a defining figurehead across the horizon of South Africa’s fastest-growing township. It cares for 300 HIV Aids-infected and affected children daily, as well as provides a support system and soup kitchen for the community in the area.
Rhino Africa is immensely proud to be actively involved in a community upliftment and social outreach programme such as this. Globe-trotters who travel with us are contributing to the legacy we are leaving in Africa, but there is more to be done and you can help. To find out how contact Rhino Africa’s CSR specialist, donate, and take a look at our other Doing Good initiatives.
Rhino Africa CSR | Teresa van der Bank | teresa@rhinoafrica.com
Special Thanks:
Premier Helen Zille, for taking the time out of her exceptionally busy schedule to join us
Rhino Africa Staff and CSR who contributed their time and efforts on this day to make sure everything ran smoothly
Rhino Africa Media Production Team for capturing the day on camera
The staff at Khumbulani who made everyone feel welcome
The ladies of the Khayelitsha community who prepared a delicious buffet for the event