When many people picture the director of an NGO, they imagine someone behind a desk.

On Mandela Day (July 18), however, Thuto Vukea was lying under one of Lifeline Ekurhuleni’s long-idle vehicles, his hands black with grease as he worked to get it running again.

“We must get them running so that we can start working,” he said.

The moment perfectly captured the hands-on approach of the man spearheading the revival of an organisation determined to restore hope to vulnerable members of the community.

When Vukea first walked through Lifeline Ekurhuleni’s gates after his appointment at last year’s AGM, he was met not by a thriving counselling centre but by a neglected facility burdened by financial turmoil and years of declining public confidence.

Rather than walking away, he embraced the challenge.

“I saw it as an opportunity to create a meaningful and lasting impact,” said Vukea.

“Challenging jobs don’t discourage me; they motivate me. I also wanted to help Lifeline’s employees continue doing what they do best, which is helping people.”

His priority was restoring the dignity of the Russell Street property.

“The building was in a mess. Neighbours were always complaining about the condition of the property, so our priority was clearing the overgrown weeds and cleaning up the premises.”

He then turned his attention to the organisation’s finances, introducing stricter financial controls and reviewing its books.

The process uncovered governance failures, maladministration and financial irregularities.

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“We have introduced proper payment processes and internal controls. This exposed irregular and fraudulent activities. Our constitution has also been updated and approved.”

Despite the progress, Vukea believes the real goal is to return Lifeline Ekurhuleni to its core mission of providing counselling and support to those who need it most.

“I want to return Lifeline Ekurhuleni to its glory days,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that rebuilding the organisation cannot be achieved without support from the wider community.

One of the biggest obstacles is an outstanding municipal account dating back to 2018, which has left the facility without electricity.

“We appeal to businesses and donors to help us settle the outstanding municipal debt.

“We also need assistance with installing a solar system, repainting the building, replacing doors and electrical wiring. Donations of any kind will make a difference.”

Vukea believes the organisation has laid a solid foundation for a fresh start, but says its long-term success will depend on partnerships with businesses, donors and residents willing to invest in restoring a service that has supported generations of Ekurhuleni families.

Anyone wishing to support the revival of Lifeline Ekurhuleni can contact Vukea at director@lifeline.co.za.

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