DUDUZA – The Themba Victor Mahlangu Foundation held its third annual Christmas outreach in Zamane Park on December 4.
The outreach aims to restore dignity and offer hope to the community’s most vulnerable. Established in 2023, the foundation uplifts the destitute through compassion and initiatives that drive lasting change.
For its third Christmas outreach this December, it donated 52 pairs of school shoes, toiletries and food hampers.
Founder Themba Mahlangu said families could apply through the foundation’s social media pages, and while the foundation had hoped to provide full school uniforms, budget constraints made this impossible.
Parents and their children receive goods from the foundation. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“I went to these families to deliver the invites and realised that giving them school uniforms alone is not enough. Many of these families need food. The children need casual clothes and other basic needs for self–care.
“Many of these things I bought from my own pocket with help from other community members, friends and those open enough to assist,” said Mahlangu.
Mahlangu thanked those who had contributed, saying their support made a difference.
“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.
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Community member Junior Malefetse likes the initiative and appreciates that it supports the community. She also helps when possible.
“I’m here because I love the foundation’s initiative.
“I believe that if we do not stand up and do something ourselves, thina [we], as a community, who will? We cannot wait for the next person or the government to fix things for us.
“We live among the people and see the conditions they face daily. Even if our contribution feels small, it still makes a difference. Every little effort goes a long way,” she said.
Boxes of school shoes. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Guardian to three of the recipients, Mathapelo Mthembu, said her grandchildren did not like going to school with torn shoes.
“These new shoes will change their view about school in a positive way. I come from a household of seven individuals under one roof, and only one is working.
“We cannot afford to buy new shoes. We are grateful as a community, parents and guardians to have been invited to receive things we need most,” she said.
She thanked the foundation for its huge impact on the children’s lives.
Food and toiletry packs. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Games keep parents and children entertained. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Games keep parents and children entertained. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
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