There is no better gift than the gift of giving

Christmas for everybody I think we all assume that because its Christmas everybody must be happy and having merry time as we are, but for some families the day is just as gloomy and dark as any day before it. Poverty is a reality in the Township of katlehong and many others across the country luckily there are also people who are inspired to help and to make a difference to their less fortunate neighbours.

Yesterday on the eve of Christmas, whilst most C.E.Os. and businesses were on holiday, the Bataung memorial Ceo and founder, Lebohang Khitsane was out with his team and family walking the streets of katlehong and spreading the cheer. Bataung Memorial Tombstones embarked on a door to door “Santa drive” giving groceries and food parcels to over 50, less fortunate households.

When interviewed Lebohang said: “We are grabbing this opportunity to give back with both hands; the Lord has really been kind to us this year. We hope to make this a Christmas to remember for those that are less fortunate around Katlehong.

My departed father always reminded me that there is no better gift than the gift of giving”.

Even by Bataung’s impressive standards, the year 2012 has been a rather eventful period. The Katlehong based tombstone manufacturers have seen themselves realise a number of their lifelong dreams and objectives the founder Lebo Khitsane, had set for the establishment.

For starters Lebohang managed to be a runner-up in business competition called The Big Break Legacy business reality show that was aired on Sabc 2. This was followed by numerous milestones that Bataung has managed to achieve such as opening two branches outside Gauteng, the most recent being a partnership with the Kaizer Chiefs defender Jimmy tau in Kimberley in the Northern Cape and also setting up new corporate offices in an office park in the suburb of Meyersdal.

“This year we had a lot to be thankful for I think we’ve achieved a lot hence, we feel a great sense of gratitude and want to share it with our community. Our community supports us and we feel we should do our bit”. Says Lebohang with his ever infectious laughter.

The act is hardly surprising as Bataung is growing a reputation for its numerous acts of selflessness and community work. In June they visited a home for the destitute to give the men within the home a Father’s Day to remember. There has also been some restoration and refurbishing work at a number of cemeteries in Gauteng. Similar work is expected to now take place in the Kimberly areas now that the Bataung brand is alive outside Gauteng.