Durban - Orphans infected with Tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS in Rorke's Drift have been given a reason to smile.
A R3.5 million centre, named Ikhaya Lethu, was officially opened by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Sanofi-aventis's senior vice-president for the intercontinental region, Robert Sebbag.
Sanofi-aventis contributed the funds to the centre that is equipped with educational books, toys and recreational facilities and will cater for children between 0-17 years.
Children who will be taken care off at the centre will receive three meals a day, counselling and assistance in many other ways to help them develop and have a greater chance to enjoy their lives.
Statistics indicates that in Rorke's Drift, a rural community near Ladysmith, seven out of every ten households contain family members infected with HIV and AIDS and TB.
The pharmaceutical giant has been working together with the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal since 2006, by installing water boreholes, vegetable tunnels and building environmentally friendly toilets.
Motsoaledi was pleased that Sanofi-aventis chose to invest their money in a rural area as opposed to building a centre in an urban area which tends to attracting funding more easily from big corporations.
"Rural areas must not think that they have been forgotten by government. We are also happy to announce that this programme has got an educational component," said Motsoaledi.
The educational aspect of the programme falls in line with government's ten point plan.
Motsoaledi said the centre will ensure that improved health care will be available and leadership responsibilities will be given to the community.
Sibongile Radebe, one of two house mothers, was tearful during the opening of the centre on Friday.
"I am very happy, this is such a dream come true. These children will get a chance to live better and healthier lives. I can't tell you how much this means to us. Helping these children will make me feel better," said Radebe.
