Thabong SAPS solves nappy crisis

A total of 4 325 nappies and diapers were distributed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Thabong Cluster, to disadvantaged and disabled children on December 10 at the SAPS Thabong Academy.

The money to secure the nappies was raised through last month’s nappy run project which enabled the Thabong Cluster officers; government departments and non- government organisation (NGOs) to make the lives of these children easier.

The children from towns such as Bronville, Hennenman, Meloding, Thabong, Virginia and Ventersburg were transported to the Academy for the distribution of the nappies and diapers. These children are affiliated to orphanages and shelters while others were identified by partnership policing members.

Captain Mojalefa Moeketsi, of the SAPS Thabong cluster, told the caretakers and children with disabilities that the initiative was a brainchild of the national office of the police and sister departments and it is aimed at addressing the special needs of disabled children.

“The national management saw it fit for us to assist by collecting gifts especially during the festive and holiday time of the year,” said Moeketsi.

The guest speaker of the day, Mokati Moledi, of the Disabled People South Africa (DPSA), spoke out against abuse of disabled children.

“Let’s not use disabled children to gain monetary privileges. Too often the DPSA has come across children who are not clean, children who are locked inside homes and parents who only take them out when they go to fetch their grant.”

According to Moledi, the SAPS initiative has made an enormous difference in the lives of disadvantaged and disabled people in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

“I believe that this is not the first time members of the SAPS Thabong cluster have showed their love and care for the disabled and disadvantaged. This gift is priceless and will serve as the only present most of these children will receive at this time of the year.”

The keynote address was delivered by Colonel Cynthia Molale on behalf of the cluster commander Major-General Lerato Molale. She also emphasised that children with disabilities are special and so are their parents. She also promised the recipients of the nappies that would not be the last time they receive them.

“We started on a good footing and we will continue what we have started with love for children and adults with special needs. We will keep the partnership with other government departments and NGOs to sustain this initiative,” said Molale.