Tsakane philanthropist Nkosinathi Mbonani recognised as Halls Winter Hero
From soup kitchens to winter clothing drives, Tsakane community leader Nkosinathi Mbonani is bringing warmth and hope to vulnerable residents through his foundation’s outreach initiatives.
In the heart of Tsakane, community hero Nkosinathi Mbonani has made it his mission to spread warmth and compassion during the cold winter season.
Mbonani was recognised as a Halls Winter Hero through the “Breathe Through It, Mzansi” campaign for the impactful work he does as the founder of the Nkosinathi Mbonani Foundation.
“We started the foundation in 2020 during COVID. The most important thing is giving back to the community.
“My mom and dad taught me all the core values of being an entrepreneur and starting in philanthropy. I was inspired by my late father who was a community leader,” Mbonani explained.
Winter is a season that highlights the vulnerability of many people, especially those without shelter, warm blankets or nourishing meals.
Through his foundation, he organises soup kitchens at local schools and clinics, hosts winter charity soccer games and gives away pre-loved clothing to those in need.
“Me being there for them, offering them a solution, that makes me extremely happy,” he said.
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Carrying out philanthropy work during the winter has its challenges. Mbonani talked about some of the struggles his foundation faces.
“One of the biggest challenges, especially in the philanthropy work that we do, is that a lot of people are extremely cold in this weather. It’s also disheartening to witness older people who are sick and cold. So we need blankets,” he said.
Mbonani says prayer has carried him through the obstacles.
“Every day, I pray. I’m a very hopeful person and by God’s grace, I’m where I am today, because of God, my family, friends and all the people I keep in my circle,” he said.
His fondest winter memories include him being a school boy, reluctant to wake up in the cold weather.
“I went to an all-boys school so they used to wake us up at 05:00. It was extremely tough. I still think about it till today.”
“But it made me the person that I am. It instilled the toughness and the vision to understand why the school had to instil discipline in these young boys,” he said.
Mbonani remains humble stating that he does not see himself as a hero but as an ordinary man who has the capacity to help people.
“Being selected as one of the Halls heroes is huge – I’m ecstatic. This is a great initiative and I hope Halls continues with it,” Mbonani concluded.
