Children have a party

Orphaned and vulnerable children, disabled children and those from child-headed homes were treated to a fun-filled birthday party.
EVERY child dreams of having a birthday party; sadly, not every child gets to celebrate their birthday in a special way.

A huge cakeEight big cakes were provided, one for each region (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)But for many of those youngsters – orphans and vulnerable children – the City of Joburg hosted an Every Child’s Birthday Party on Saturday, 10 December at Innes Free Park in Sandton. Also invited were disabled children, migrant children and children from child-headed homes.

The kids started arriving at 8am. They were all given party packs and played on the jumping castles, waterslides and merry go rounds.

All told, about 1 300 children were at the party. One of them, 11-year-old Tshepiso Mohlala from Klipspruit, said he enjoyed the party because there was lots of dancing and playing. Chantel Makgolo also enjoyed herself.

Two children, Njabulo Dlamini from Orange Farm and Silindile Mkhwanazi, were celebrating their actual birthdays. Both were turning 10; they were called to the stage and everyone sang “Happy birthday” to them.

The member of the mayoral committee for health and social development, Nonceba Molwele, was also in a partying mood. She danced with the kids before talking to them about the importance of respecting their elders and going to school.

Singer Winnie Khumalo provides entertainmentSinger Winnie Khumalo provides entertainmentShe told the children that they were the future of Joburg and they needed to take care of themselves, choose their friends wisely and listen to those who were in charge of them so that they grew up to be responsible adults.

“The City of Joburg loves and cares for you; you are very special to us, with a very bright future ahead. Study hard and listen to your teachers.”

After the speeches and dancing, it was time for the birthday boys and girls to cut the cake. Eight big cakes were provided; one for each region. The eighth one was a Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) 2040 cake. More playing followed.

In Joburg, there are many organisations that look after the needs of a range of children: street children, abandoned babies, Aids orphans, HIV-positive children, and others. Some operate overnight shelters while others offer residential care from birth to the age of 18. Some operate drop-in centres.

Most engage in outreach programmes. Some are religious organisations, while others are secular. Many of these organisations are listed here, with their contact information.