By Gift Mbay
In the remote villages of South Africa, where access to basic services is limited, a group of dedicated volunteers is making a profound impact. These individuals, often unnoticed by mainstream media, are stepping in to provide support where government resources fall short.
One such volunteer is Thabo Mokoena, a 28-year-old from a small village in Limpopo. Every morning, Thabo cycles several kilometers to a makeshift classroom, where he teaches underprivileged children who have no access to formal education. Without a proper school in the area, he has turned an old community hall into a learning center, providing lessons in math, English, and life skills. “I couldn’t just sit back and watch these kids grow up without basic education,” Thabo explains. “So I decided to do something about it.”
Similarly, in the Eastern Cape, a group of women known as Mamas of Hope have taken it upon themselves to care for abandoned children. These women, many of whom are elderly, provide food, shelter, and emotional support to children left without families. One of the founders, Gogo Nomsa, 67, says, “We don’t have much, but we share what we have. No child should go to bed hungry or feel unloved.”
These grassroots efforts highlight the resilience and generosity found in South Africa’s unreported corners. While major news outlets focus on politics and crime, stories like Thabo’s and the Mamas of Hope demonstrate the power of ordinary citizens to create extraordinary change.
Despite their contributions, these volunteers face challenges. Thabo’s classroom lacks essential supplies like textbooks and desks, and the Mamas of Hope struggle to provide consistent meals for the children in their care. Yet, they continue their work, driven by a shared belief that change begins with small acts of kindness.
Communities across South Africa are filled with unsung heroes like these—people who, despite having little, give everything they can to uplift others. Their efforts deserve recognition and support, as they embody the true spirit of Ubuntu: ‘I am because we are’.
Contact Thembalitsha Foundation:
• Address: 45 Newton Road, Gants Plaza, Strand, South Africa, 7140
• Website: hope.org.za
• Contact Page: hope.org.za/contact-us/
