South African Army Signal Formation, "New Hope" for the Disabled, 4 September 2009

Article and photos by Private K.S. Thobejane, Corporate Communication Clerk, South African Army Signal Formation

On 4 September 2009, Casual Day, the South African Army Signal Formation had the opportunity again to bring hope to the new Hope School, Menlyn. The school is for disabled children, aged three years upwards and has been adopted by the South African Army School of Signals. This social responsibility initiative has been managed and executed by the South African School of Signals for the past three years. "South African Army School of Signals got the mandate to run the event because of the manpower available", said Colonel H.E. Gunter, Officer Commanding South African Army School of Signals.

Private Mthimunye (right) camouflaging Lerato

South African Army School of Signals kick-starts the process every year by obtaining donations from South African Army Signal Formation members and private companies and selling R 10 Casual Day Stickers, and this year was no different. A lot of donations in the form of tinned food and sweet parcels were received and XON Systems, donated caps at the event.

Four hundred and nine disabled children were given the chance, to interact with South African Army soldiers and do what soldiers do daily. For the children of New Hope, the school is not only a learning institute, it is their home. The school has hostels for the children to live in during the week, and on weekends the children go home. "My mom or my brother comes to pick me up every Friday. It is nice here". Tumelo Rampatla, a grade 8 learner, from Mpumalanga said.

Hannie Muller said "Judre Swant, a 13 year old student, counts down the days to the Casual Day, because he wants to enjoy it with his friends". The principal of New Hope School, Mr Dawie Harmse said "Such days boost the kids morale and they become positive. It motivates them to learn and realise that they have a place in the South African Army or the outside world at large. People tend to discriminate against the disabled and that is not necessary".

South African Army Soldiers assisting the kids to play

The kids happily enjoyed, what some soldiers dislike ........... obstacle crossing. The children did it with all of their heart and soul. The children were also treated to activities such as soccer, paintball and water slides. "We want to give the children time to laugh. Most people reject them because of their disabilities. Last year there was a young man called Tshepo, he only wanted to slide on the waterslides, because his friends can and he can't (due to the severity of his disability). We helped him to get up on the slide, then he slid down with a smile on his face. The event went as planned, but I just want to make a plea to every individual, to look deep down into their hearts and support such people. I took the event lightly, just another charity, but honestly it touched the harts of me and my colleagues. You must bring tissues because you'll cry", said Warrant Officer 2 Maryna Botes.

A reporter for the day, I took pictures of honest children, who do not have the power to help themselves, but still they were positive. Even though I was down emotionally, it made me think that we must all thank God for what we have and give rather than take.