“Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation.

They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people.”

– Nelson Mandela.

In the spirit of Madiba’s legacy and his love and support for the children of our nation, Ikamva Labantu received a generous donation of 50 fire extinguishers for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres from safety and security company, FS Systems.

“FS Systems has proudly worked with Ikamva Labantu for the past few years. We have once again teamed up with Ikamva Labantu for Mandela Day, and as we are celebrating our 50th anniversary, we will be donating 50 fire extinguishers to these Early Childhood Development Centre’s (ECD’s). Every child deserves the right to education in a safe environment and protecting lives is important to us. We are grateful for our partnership with Ikamva Labantu and are thankful that they have made it possible for us to make a difference in the community,” said FS Systems Director of the Western Cape, Cecil Meyer.

Ikamva Labantu’s Early Childhood Development Programme works with 400 ECD Centres in Khayelitsha with an average of 45 children per centre. The ECD programme assists each centre with the registration process and offers capacity-building training for community principals and practitioners and supports them with educational equipment and learning materials so that they can implement their learnings at their preschools.

“The presence of fire extinguishers in an ECD Centre helps the principals to have peace of mind should a fire break out in the centre. 26 ECD Centres will be the recipients of the 50 fire extinguishers from FS Systems. The fire extinguishers are vital equipment and part of the requirements for the Department of Fire to issue out a fire clearance certificate. This certificate is also part of the requirements by the Department of Social Development to register a centre. Once registered, the ECD Centre has a higher chance of receiving a subsidy for each child who meets the criteria,” said Ikamva Labantu ECD Programme Manager, Mildred Bopoto.

The first years of a child’s life form the foundation upon which they build their future. But millions of children in Cape Town’s township communities do not have access to quality early education.

“On behalf of the ECD centres in the township communities, Ikamva Labantu wishes to extend our sincere gratitude for the wonderful gift from FS Systems. Thank you for caring for thousands of our beloved vulnerable children in the townships and ensuring their safety from potential fires that could break out in the centres. It provides the principals and staff with such comfort that their children are safe and protected,” said Ikamva Labantu General Manager, Ishrene Davids.

The community, principals and staff of the ECD centres and Ikmava Labantu thanks FS Systems for your kindness and generosity. This donation will have a positive impact on thousands of children’s lives, ensuring their safety.