By: Thobele Nzama

People’s Park, Durban – Durban’s tycoon businessman in celebration of his 61st birthday hosted over 10 000 children aged between 8 and 12 from 120 different schools and adopted one lucky child on Saturday.
Vivian Reddy and the Vivian Reddy Foundation invited children from previously disadvantaged schools, backgrounds and all walks of life to have fun under the sun while simultaneously beaming 10 000 smiles.
Upon arrival, each child received a goodie bag before being ushered into the park to enjoy the day’s activities which included rainbow inflatables, water slides and zorb balls.

The day’s theme was “One dream, 10 000 smiles” and the day was dedicated to the late former president Nelson Mandela as the struggle hero was devoted to children and went almost out of his way to make their day together special, just as Reddy does.

The programme featured special guests, that just as children that were there, from all walks of life that have encountered difficulty in their lives but have made it in spite of that. The children enjoyed interacting with Generations’ Winnie Modise (Khethiwe Ngcobo), former Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar and the AmaZulu football team.

“My hope is that the children, while enjoying themselves, will also be inspired by the people they meet on the day,” said Reddy.
In addressing the children, Modise spoke about the importance of education.

“As you are all here, it is because of education. Keep in school and don’t forget that with education, you go places. I came all the way from Johannesburg because I love you all and wanted to deliver this message personally, I encourage you all to stay in school so that you too may be giving back just as Vivian Reddy one day,” Modise said.

Keshwar instilled the young learners with gratitude, reminding them that it is important to always express it.

“We are here to celebrate this wonderful man, Vivian Reddy. He has done a lot for a lot of people in South Africa and just as they have, we must also say those two special words – thank you,” she exclaimed.
The event was concluded by a happy birthday song sang by the choir from JG Zuma High School in KwaMashu.

A volunteer is assisted by a teacher in handing out cup cakes. Pictures by : Thobele Nzama

The day ended in the high note that it had begun. Each child received a cup cake and the lucky child who found an imitation diamond sachet was adopted by the Reddy Foundation which will assist the child financially towards their schooling needs.

Last year’s lucky winner, Siseko Dlamini, enticed the children on the prospects of what it is like to be one in 10 000.

“There was a huge party at my school and I celebrated together with other learners. Mr Vivian Reddy is my hero and I am inspired to do more. I want to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Dlamini said.
Other guests included eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Loggie Naidoo and KZN MEC for Health Dr Sbongiseni Dlomo.