Zaba talks about Christmas

Can you believe that the year is almost over?

As the year draws to a close, one of my favourite times of the year draws near...Christmas time.

Growing up, I was extremely fortunate to have a mother and a father who gave me the world.

Every year, I wrote a letter to Santa, told him what a good girl I had been and made my yearly request for toys. And then sure as the sky, I would wake up every Christmas morning with all my requests fulfilled under our white Christmas tree (I'm still not sure why my folks picked a white tree for Christmas in Africa).

My parents also reminded me constantly that I was very lucky to be showered with gifts because many children didn't have the privilege.

They also taught me the concept of ubuntu - I am because we are - and told me that I should always remember those less fortunate and try to make a difference in their lives. The East Coast Radio Toy Story 2013 with Game is the way I choose to make Christmas time special for those less fortunate.

Every year we collect toys and food parcels and deliver them to children in need. To us, it may be meaningless, but to a little child who has been through the trials and tribulations of the world, it says "Someone out there cares about ME". These little boys and girls are unbelievably grateful for your gifts.

So join me this year in collecting toys and food for our little angels. It may not be much, but we're making a difference...one toy at a time"

- Zaba

(Photo: Zaba Simbine, East Coast Radio's Trish Taylor and Bernie Joshua from Game with seven year olds Avemuhle Mahlaba and Sinenhlanhla Mahlangu at the launch of Toy Story at St Aidans Hospital)