Making a difference together
MaAfrika Tikkun is a non-governmental organisation that cares for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in townships.

The organisation was founded by Dr Bertie Lubner and the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris in 1994 to help those who were disadvantaged by the Apartheid regime.

Recognising the importance of MaAfrika Tikkun’s vision and mission, former president Nelson Mandela became its Patron-in-Chief. On a site visit, Mr Mandela once said, “What I have seen here today is a miracle.”

MaAfrika Tikkun has community upliftment projects in Orange Farm, Diepsloot, Alexandra and Hillbrow in Gauteng, and in Delft and Mfuleni in the Western Cape.

Early Childhood Development Project
The Arekopaneng building in Orange Farm hosts MaAfrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) project. The project cares for OVCs from a few months to six years old.

The children are given a safe haven, hot meals and loving care at the facility. They are taught age-appropriate literacy, numeracy and life skills.

Social workers and caregivers are also on call when children require assistance, and other non-profit organisations such as Teddy Bear Clinic and Childline are called upon to assist in cases of physical and sexual abuse.

In 2007, David Lazarus and other RAM colleagues went on a site visit. They were so impressed by what they saw, it was decided that RAM should take an active role in the ECD project.

Our pledge
RAM pledged to invest in building an extension to the Arekopaneng building, but MaAfrika Tikkun faced some challenges regarding the lease on the land in Orange Farm, which delayed the building process.

We are pleased to announce that the extension to the lease of Arekopaneng in Orange Farm has been approved.

The building plans have been submitted, and construction will commence later this year. In May, we concluded a three-year agreement with MaAfrika Tikkun for the capital costs and operating expenses of the new centre.

“This is just one project where we are able to make a difference and offer our support,” says David Lazarus. “It’s a drop in the ocean, but it’s a start to assisting the less fortunate members of our society.”