There was great excitement among the girls of Dingemans House on Friday, 29 October, as they were 'busted' by Radio Algoa and Nando's 'Whole Lotta Heart' campaign.
Every Friday, the Algoa FM/Nando’s HEARTSQUAD arrives in a particular area in Algoa Country to reward businesses or organisations which are affiliated with charities. Charlton Tobias of the Heart Squad, waiting outside the Dingemans House for the big moment to arrive said that this is the first time they have 'busted' a residence.
Tracy Chambers, Dingemans' House Warden, sent in the request to Radio Algoa on behalf of her House, who has been working extensively with the House of Joy in Joza. The House of Joy is an orphanage run by Margaret Ngcangca, where she looks after nineteen children, most of whom are Aids orphans.
Ngcangca joined the girls to partake in their lunch from Nando's Grahamstown, bringing with her Endinako (which means 'all I have') who was left at the gate of the House of Joy, and Hope, the baby who was abandoned outside the Joza Library and who is now doing well.
The girls of Dingemans have been collecting clothes for the children, and are also intending to hold a Christmas party for them, with a little present and a gift of clothes for each child.
Nando's has only recently re-opened in Grahamstown, and owners Luyanda and Nolwandle Gqiba were present for the big 'bust', bringing with them great platters of delicious chicken and sandwiches. The Gqiba’s explained how glad they are to have opened up the business here; they have three children at St Andrew's Preparatory. They added that Grahamstown holds a special place in their hearts. With businesses and houses in Komga and Queenstown too, they do a fair amount of traveling around the Eastern Cape.
While everyone congregated in the little car park at the back of Dingemans House, excited faces kept appearing at the windows above, with the big smiles on the girls faces letting us know that it was just possible that the game had already been given away and the girls were aware of what was happening.
Tobias announced that they had been busted, to loud cheers, and when, at 12:30, he crossed live to Radio Algoa, the common room rang to a resounding shout of “Thank You Nandos!”
The babies were passed from hand to hand and cooed over by everyone, Ngcangca was given a seat of honour for the wonderful work she does at the House of Joy, and everyone enjoyed a Nando's feast and the warm sense of recognition for their efforts.