Minister opens revamped Onkabetse care centre

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Pretoria – Transport Minister Dipuo Peters has officially opened the revamped Onkabetse Care Centre in Vosloorus. 

The Department of Transport and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) have donated R1.2 million to the centre.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Peters said the centre was nominated in August to be a beneficiary of the annual Prasa sponsored programme in honour of uTata Madiba and as part of the Mandela Day legacy.

“I join them in ensuring that Onkabetse Care Centre achieves its aims and objectives of opening doors to children who are victims of rape, HIV and Aids, orphans and those from child headed families,” she said. 

Minister Peters said government, through the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, has sponsored Onkabetse with a temporary shelter that accommodates 105 children.

The Department of Social Development and SAPS, among others, are lending a helping hand in ensuring that the centre functions properly.

“This gesture is also an illustration that government commitment to the betterment of the lives of our people through corporate social investment is a reality,” the Minister said.

In line with government policy and procedure, the centre will comply with the relevant government policy governing sponsorship, including being audited at the end of the financial year and any other duly recognised financial regulations. 

Road safety

Meanwhile, Minister Peters warned that during the festive season, traffic officials will be all out on the country’s roads.

“We will ensure that we get rid of any distractions on our roads that might lead to carnage and the loss of life,” she said.

Key focal areas in this year’s road safety campaign include alcohol abuse, drug abuse, distracted driving and fatigue, excessive speed, dangerous overtaking and all road violations, front and rear seatbelts, child restraints and air bags, passenger and freight transport overload and documentation, visibility, drinking and walking, jay walking distracted walking and crossing on freeways and roadworthiness of vehicles and documentation, specifically number plates. – SAnews.gov.za