CHANGE A LIFE FOUNDATION CHANGES 50 WORKERS’ LIVES

MATSAPHA – Change A Life Foundation yesterday changed the lives of 50 casual workers with essential work apparel.

Bongani ‘Under Control’ Mamba, the foundation’s Director, yesterday invited the casual workers to the S&B Restaurant and presented them with work apparel. They each received a pair of safety boots, a two-piece overall suit, a safety helmet and a T-shirt. Mamba’s Change A Life Foundation was simply making an indirect intervention in assisting men to positively impact the communities they live in. He said availing the work apparel to the men was part of their endeavour as a foundation to be in line with Goal 8 of the global sustainable development goals (SDGs).

He said they were dedicated to assisting men to make a difference amid the challenging times they face as unemployed people. Mamba said he also went through some of the hardships they were going through. He said as a foundation they were happy that the beneficiaries did not complain but woke up every day to hustle on empty stomachs. “I know how it feels to be unemployed, I have ‘faced’ the hardship you go through; I have been there,” said Mamba. The foundation decided to raise funds and purchase the fundamental items/apparel to enable casual workers to be readily considered for any prospective immediate employment opportunities. Mamba further disclosed that their relationship with some of the casual workers dated back to 2013. He said these men endured all the hardships of waking up in the morning with no transport to ‘face’ at Matsapha industries. He described the casual workers as people on a mission and likened them to hunters.

hunting

“You go hunting for the job with the knowledge that you might not get anything on the day, but you never give up and simply say maybe on another day,” said Mamba. He also said he was happy that they decided to come and ‘face’ instead of turning around with the shade of the sun and staying at home. He said their hustling for survival meant they avoid being found wanting by the laws of the land. “Those who stay home and complain end up abusing their children and wives ending up contravening the laws of the land and getting arrested,” said Mamba. He said he was proud to be associated with these men and was working with stakeholders in ensuring that there were basins for them to wash their hands and ablutions while they waited for any client who wanted a casual worker.

Meanwhile, Wonder Dlamini, a casual worker from Mgazini, thanked Mamba and shared that all along they had known him for his kindness. He said Mamba would sometimes share bread and juice or bring food to them while they waited for the next employer. “Even when we have failed to get some work on the day, we knew Mamba will come to our rescue with something to eat,” said Dlamini. He further said they were surprised when he called them to a restaurant instead of the usual casual talks and him taking the little from his family to feed them. Dlamini said the apparel will go a long way in terms of presentation and also their safety while working.

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