Duduza – Marking its third anniversary, the Themba Victor Mahlangu Foundation held a donation drive to restore dignity and bring hope to some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
Established in 2023, the foundation uplifts the destitute through compassion and initiatives that drive lasting change. The donation drive aimed to give back to the community, with help from various stakeholders to identify those most in need.
“I asked schools to help identify learners in need. The Department of Social Development helped us establish which families require support. Foundation members also reached out and identified vulnerable community members.
“All those invited will receive items such as school uniforms, casual clothes, shoes, sanitary towels and other essentials,” said the foundation founder, Themba Mahlangu.
Matlakala Mthembu, Portia Mokoena and Thandi Motloung. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
He said that as a Duduza resident, his priority is to assist his community before reaching out to others in Ekurhuleni. He added that he would donate any clothing and items left over from the event to neighbouring communities.
“We always welcome donations and sponsorships to help those in need. This initiative is close to my heart. I launched it on my birthday in 2023 by asking the community to donate school clothes,” he said.
“When I delivered the donated school clothes, the schools told me many learners also lacked casual clothing. I went back to the community and asked for more casual donations, and that’s when people really started giving,” he explained.
Mahlangu said more people began donating and even contributed appliances that could help families in crisis, such as those who had lost their homes to fires.
The beneficiaries could pick from a variety of donated items.
More than 100 people receive much-needed items, and 20 women receive dignity towels and toiletries from the foundation every month.
“We want to see our community learn to share. We want to break the spirit of looking down on one another,” he said.
“The aim is to treat every community member with dignity and respect. Children should not drop out of school due to the inability to afford basic needs.
“We can work together as a community by collaborating to assist where we can, supporting those in need and offering emotional support,” he added.
Community members pick out clothing. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
He urged community members in need to reach out to him and his team for support. He also encouraged individuals to donate and help destitute families whenever possible.
Duduza resident Thandi Sibanyoni was grateful for the clothing she received., adding that she was especially happy her 13-year-old grandchild would now have proper school clothes.
Another resident, Gugu Mabena, said poverty has deeply affected her life.
“Unemployment is a major challenge. The clothes I received from this initiative will make a real difference,” Mabena said. “They will keep me covered in winter and summer.”
For enquiries and donations, call Mahlangu on 083 664 9506.
Sandisile Moathlodi hands items to Lindiwe Mfukwana. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Thandi Sibanyoni and Gugu Mabena receive clothing from the drive. Photo cred: Buhle Matsoele
The shoes donated by the community.
Themba Mahlangu, Musa Mamabolo and Andy Pooe. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
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