GVI meets the Deputy President of South Africa!

It had started as any normal day but when we arrived to the Orphanage to find all the children being loaded into taxis we knew something was happening! Mama then informed us that they (and us) had been invited to a special day organised by the newly founded Ministry for Women, Children and People with disabilities at Stellenbosh University to celebrate the work being done with disabled people across the country. In the morning there was a conference to discuss the Millennium Goals set regarding those with disabilities and the attainment of said goals. Among the speakers were the Minister for Women, Children and people with disabilities, Ms Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, and the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, who kindly (and surprisingly) invited GVI and Mama Lumka back stage to meet him and join them in the photo op of the day as they had heard about the wonderful work being done by all at Ikhayalethemba Village. In the afternoon there was a picnic in the sunshine with live singing and dancing performances which was enjoyed by all, especially the children!

We would like to send out a special thank you to all the volunteers who have come out and helped us achieve our goals for 2009. Without you all we would never have accomplished all the great things we have this year!

GVI meets the Deputy President of South Africa!