In the small township of Sethe Phison (meaning “promised land’ in Zulu), 60% of the people are unemployed. When the winter winds blow down the streets, the people get cold, very cold.

     It was to this township, just outside of Roodepoort near Johannesburg, that members from the Johannesburg Chapter of BLIA went to make a donation of much needed blankets, coal burning stoves and heaters.  Crowds of over 1,500 people were there to welcome the BLIA members, officers from the Taipei Liaison Office, and members of the local community. Speeches were given by Mrs May Chen (Chairperson of BLIA South Africa), Venerable Man Ya (abbess of Nan Hua Temple), Mr Chi from the Taipei Laison Office, as well as the chairman of the local community-policing forum (CPF).

     Following the speeches, dignitaries were led on a tour of some local houses, where they were shown how the local residents were being taught to grow their own vegetables. “Helping other people to help themselves is a wonderful gesture,” said Venerable Man Ya. The local community chairman and his deputy thanked Mrs Chen, as well as all the BLIA members and people of Taiwan for the much needed donation. “You have not only warmed our bodies with these blankets, you have warmed our hearts,” said the local chairman Mr Aaron Nazo.

     The community of Sethe Phison rejoiced at their bright blankets and stoves. As the group of BLIA members left the crowds began to cheer, and their smiles beaming. Truly this was a warm day for the community and all BLIA members.