WHEN Colchester businessman Jonathan Neill and his family visited South Africa on holiday, little did he know he would end up providing support to a township almost a century old.
Jonathan, who has been president of Colchester Forum Rotary Club, headed to Cape Town and then Langa a few years ago, where he met tour guide and resident Abongile Gwabeni.
In a project started last year, during Jonathan’s presidential year, the club donated new equipment to a créche in Langa after a fundraising dance raised £1,250.
International chairman, Stephen Penrose said: “To get the items to Langa, by chance, one of Forum’s members, on holiday near Cape Town, discovered the amazing Rotary Club of Somerset West who not only agreed to help us but were able to secure the items the crèche wanted and at a good price.
“We were able to obtain all the items the creche wanted plus a few additional ones.”
Jonathan said: “It was a really nice way to end my year as president of Forum Rotary Club of Colchester to do such a great project for the Langa township.
"Because I’ve seen conditions in Langa with my own eyes, it was nice to do something for them.”
A big handover day was arranged with all the items gratefully received.
Abongile said: “Your gift means so much to the crèche: laptop, printer, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, hoover and TV.
"On behalf of the Langa community the warmest thanks to you all in Forum who opened your hearts to do amazing things to transform the lives of this little Langa crèche.”
The rotary club last year also presented more than £20,000 to good causes back home in Colchester and refugees in Turkey and Ukraine.
Having been advised against taking valuables or money to Langa for security reasons during his initial visit, Jonathan was unable to donate to a collection box at the township's community centre.
Feeling guilty, Jonathan decided he wanted to help in a different way, so he asked Abongile what was important to the area and how he could support its residents.
Due to the atmosphere it creates and the importance it holds for the community, sport was the answer.
Jonathan, who owns Sports and Playground Services UK, a leading sports servicing, maintenance and installation company in Colchester promised Abongile he would support the Langa football team with a new kit.
Within weeks of returning home, the equipment was shipped to Langa, much to the joy of those living in the community.
Jonathan's goodwill gesture, however, is not the first time he has been involved in helping the people of Langa.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the rotary club discovered the township needed additional support so Jonathan arranged for food vouchers to be sent to the local store.
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