New cottage opened - Fresh hope for destitute and vulnerable children in Durban

In 2016, fire broke out in one of the cottages of the Lakehaven Child and Youth Centre in Seacow's Lake in Durban. Children were trapped inside; they died trying to escape the blast. Last Saturday, Vivian Reddy opened the newly constructed cottage at a lavish ceremony, which was attended by His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, Premier of KZN, Willies Mchunu, Weziwe Thusi, KZN MEC, Social Development. The project cost R2.5million to complete.

Sibaya Casino Chairman and Trustee Vivian Reddy said "Our promise to help rebuild Lakehaven has been fulfilled, and there is nothing more heartening and gratifying than to see the smiles of appreciation on the faces of the children. We are pleased to have been part of this project, which marks a new beginning and brings new hope for Lakehaven. We can all appreciate that running a centre of this nature, and taking care of vulnerable young children, requires considerable resources and significant funding as it is. The centre was then dealt a horrific blow when Cottage three was ravaged by a fire, in the early hours of the morning in July 2016, claiming eight young lives. While mourning the loss of the young children, the centre was faced with a tremendous predicament; to rebuild the cottage. Now, with the new facility ready to house 15 young residents, Lakehaven can move forward. We wish the staff and children of Lakehaven a hopeful and joyful new beginning,"

"Today we are here to mark this momentous occasion with His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and to create a new memory and milestone for the community of Lakehaven. We are grateful for His presence and generous gift of an ox for the children in the home. This offering from His Majesty is gesture reflective of the practice of bringing practical help to those bereaved." Concluded Reddy.

Lakehaven was established in 1959 when it opened its doors to receive its first group of children. The opening marked an historic point in the Community for the care of destitute, orphaned and neglected children. When the first children were admitted, Lakehaven was a remote and makeshift institution. In the years since it has grown to accommodate up to 60 children who are abused, neglected and abandoned between the ages of 6 years to 18 years. All of the children are placed at the Centre through a court order and are cared for and supported by 18 staff.

The Premier of KZN, Willies Mchunu said, "Today we are here because Mr Vivian Reddy, one of KwaZulu Natal and indeed, one of South Africa's most illustrious sons, had the vision, ability and plan to intervene." Premier Mchunu added, "In so doing, through the Sibaya Community Trust, Mr Reddy has turned this tragedy into a celebration and changed a situation of utter hopelessness, into one that is full of promise."

"As government we are excited that there are people who think about the vulnerable," said Weziwe Thusi, KZN MEC, Social Development, "Sibaya Community Trust has many valuable programmes, where they assist the vulnerable, this one is one of those projects and we are very excited about it."

A monument was also built in remembrance of the eight children who lost their lives.