admin“There is nothing that is as destructive to this country as corruption. We are aware that some BEAM officials have corruptly handled the funds that are meant to benefit orphans and the needy children and as Government we will weed out these corrupt officials.
“The Government is striving to give equal opportunities to all the children including those at homes and orphanages like Vulindlela. We want all children regardless of the social status, to enjoy the right to education,” said Prof Ncube.
He said the festive season should be a reminder of Jesus’ teachings that emphasised that the needy who included the orphans should be taken care of by those who are more privileged.
“As we celebrate the festive season we should also remember that the same Jesus who was born on Christmas Day is the one who said we have to take care of the orphans and the needy,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, Minister of Regional Integration and International Co-operation Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga encouraged young girls to work harder in their schoolwork.
“You have to prioritise education bangane bami libekwazi ukuthi imfundo ye-university isiqakathekile ukudlula umendo. I encourage you to work hard on your schoolwork because nowadays it’s university first and marriage later,” she said.
She said she was going to raise the issue of the administration of BEAM which she said was leaving out some of the children who were supposed to benefit, at the next Cabinet meeting scheduled for early February.
“BEAM is still there and it should benefit all the deserving children. We are going to work on the administration of this fund to ensure the funds reach their intended beneficiaries,” said Ms Misihairabwi-Mushonga.
She urged the authorities of the orphanage to report any headmaster who refused the children their right to education when schools open.
Mrs Patricia Tshabalala, the matron and founder of the organisation, expressed gratitude to Prof Ncube and said birth certificates were still a major challenge.
“We are grateful for the party that was hosted for us. We are worried about our future because most of these children do not have birth certificates,” said Mrs Tshabalala.
Vulindlela Guardians Orphanage is a non-profit making orphanage founded in 2006, which seeks to take care of disadvantaged children especially orphans.
The organisation is helping a total of 1 000 children with food, school fees and clothes and many of these are from child-headed families.
Online Reporter