21 August, 2003 Press Release R9, 5 million birthday present for Mama Sisulu Orlando West children with special needs will share a special moment with Mama Albertina Sisulu when she turns 85 on October 21. Famed for her devotion to children, a R9, 5 million Specialised Centre named after her is to be opened on her birthday. The Albertina Sisulu Centre - a community centre to cater for destitute and disabled children, has been under construction since last year. It cost R7, 5 million and is now to be fitted with specialised equipment valued at R2 million. City Council Meeting today accepted the R2 million grant for the installation of the equipment from the Gauteng Department of Education. Council said the community of Orlando West needed the facility urgently because it will significantly improve their quality of life. Gauteng Government's Departments of Public Roads and Works and Education together with the City of Johannesburg, have been working in partnership to ensure the completion of the centre on time for the struggle stalwart's birthday. The equipment that is going to be utilised by the centre is of a specialised nature, taking into account the specialised nature of their needs due to their disabilities. Council, as the principal agent, coordinating and managing the project, was enchanted when advised by the Gauteng Department of Education that they had allocated R2 million towards the development and equipping the Albertina Sisulu Centre. ENDS. Mbangwa Xaba Media Liaison Tel: 407 7226 Fax: 403 3494 082 467 9230