Diepsloot ECD Centres Shine Thanks to DO MORE Heroes

A group of spirited community volunteers spent a few hours on the morning of July 19th to upgrade two Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Diepsloot as their Mandela Day action.

Thapelo Molele, Time and Attendance Administrator at RCL FOODS Speciality in Centurion, and 14 other staff volunteers - affectionately known as DO MORE Heroes - sparked more play at Hlalefang and El Shadai ECD centres. Together they repainted play areas, donated gardening tools, toys and books, and even prepared lunch for the young children on the day.

"We chose these centres because they desperately need gardens and improved play areas," Thapelo explains. “The children deserve a safe, stimulating environment to learn and play. This was our first Mandela Day at these centres, and we hope it’s just the beginning of our support.”

Thapelo’s passion for community service is rooted in his childhood experiences. “Helping the community is something I grew up doing. My parents ran a drop-in centre where we cooked meals and served those in need. So this Mandela Day, I felt like a president, making sure everyone in our community has what they need to thrive.”

The resources donated will make a lasting impact on the children’s play-based learning and with now having the relevant equipment, the ECD centre principle is ready to start a garden, which will teach children about food sources, the importance of healthy eating, and nature more generally.

Hlalefang and El Shadai are two of 192 ECD centre upgrades in the DO MORE FOUNDATION’s national ‘Mandela Day of Play’ Campaign, which brought together over 25 business partners and over 500 volunteers to bring more play to approximately 9,600 young children across South Africa.

The DO MORE FOUNDATION prioritises play on its annual Mandela Day campaigns because it is essential to young children’s learning and development. The simple act of play builds gross motor, fine and visual coordination, cognitive and executive functioning, and social, emotional and physical skills.

For Thapelo and his fellow DO MORE Heroes, Mandela Day has been about more than just giving back on one day - it is the start of building community spirit and a brighter future for young children.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it." The DO MORE Heroes are living proof of this, transforming ECD centres and, in turn, the lives of the children who attend them.