The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) church from Kwa-Thema donated food, toiletries, clothing and other essential items to the Epilepsy SA centre in Geduld, Springs, as part of its Mandela Day outreach on July 16, reinforcing a partnership that extends beyond the annual day of service.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, church representative and organiser, Dikeledi Mabena, said the congregation was motivated by its commitment to giving back to the community and supporting those in need.

She explained that the church regularly undertakes outreach projects every month, visiting vulnerable members of the community.

Since she visits the Epilepsy SA centre every Monday, she felt it was the right place to support this Mandela Day.

“Some of the people who are here need all these things, so that is our duty,” she said.

The church collected donations from its congregation, with each member contributing according to their means.

The donated items included soap, face cloths, clothing, sanitary pads, milk, tissues and other daily essentials.

Mabena described Mandela Day as an opportunity to remember the importance of giving back to the community, adding that community outreach reflects the church’s commitment to serving others.

ALSO CHECK: Stars ECD gives back to Duduza community with meals and sanitary towel drive for Mandela Day

She said she hopes to make such initiatives a regular part of the women’s fellowship she leads.

“I do not want them to just come to church, fellowship, pray and go home. Let them know that one Thursday we can go out and help others. That motivates them spiritually and emotionally as well.”

Mabena thanked every member who contributed to the donation, saying she was overwhelmed by their generosity.

“When I started this, I did not know whether they were going to participate, but I saw them contributing and supporting the initiative.”

She also encouraged other churches to join AFM for similar outreach efforts in future.

Epilepsy SA centre director Aileen Langley said the church’s contribution goes far beyond a once-a-year act of kindness, as members visit the centre every Monday to offer spiritual guidance, prayer and fellowship.

“It means more than you can imagine because it is not just today. They come here every Monday and they give spiritual guidance; they pray with our people; they sing with them and that’s even more important than today,” said Langley.

She added that the donation of cleaning materials, toiletries and food also eases the centre’s financial burden.

ALSO CHECK: From borrowed cleaning supplies to business success: Tsakani’s Nkosana Mthembu inspires young entrepreneurs

Langley said partnerships with churches, businesses and community organisations are vital to ensuring the centre can continue serving people living with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.

She encouraged individuals and organisations to become involved in projects that match their interests, whether through financial support or volunteering their time and skills.

“There are so many projects that need to happen. We have got the garden and we have got the renovation of the buildings.

“If everybody chooses one thing that they are passionate about and gets involved, it makes a difference,” she said.

Langley noted that while donations are important, personal involvement has an even greater impact.
She also appealed to businesses to partner with the centre, adding that the centre is tax compliant and can issue Section 18A tax certificates to qualifying donors.

Reflecting on Mandela Day, Langley said the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of selfless service while also highlighting the work of organisations making a difference in their communities.

Langley thanked the church and everyone who contributed to the donation, expressing her appreciation for their continued commitment.

“Our hearts overflow with gratitude because it really means a lot. We thank them for their generosity, and we also hope that they will come back,” she concluded.