Hot Cares and the Jet Ubunye Foundation joined forces this Mandela Day to make a meaningful and lasting impact at St Mary’s Children’s Home.

For over a century, St Mary’s has served as a sanctuary for vulnerable children, offering not only shelter, but also care, love and the promise of a brighter future.

Every child who arrives at the Home is welcomed with warmth and the belief that a better tomorrow is possible.

As part of their Mandela Day initiative, the HOT 102.7FM team and Jet Ubunye Foundation gave four of the Home’s cottages a full makeover.

The upgrades included brand-new beds, fresh linen, modern kitchen appliances, renovated bathrooms, and updated décor. But the improvements extended far beyond aesthetics.

@comaro.chronicleAs part of their Mandela Day initiative, the HOT 102.7FM team and Jet Ubunye Foundation gave four of the Home’s cottages a full makeover. The upgrades included brand-new beds, fresh linen, modern kitchen appliances, renovated bathrooms, and updated décor. But the improvements extended far beyond aesthetics.

♬ original sound – Comaro Chronicle

With sustainability at the core of the initiative, the team installed JoJo water tanks to help the Home manage water shortages and harvest rainwater. Solar geysers replaced ten traditional water heaters, significantly reducing electricity usage and maintenance costs. The basketball court was also refurbished, giving the children a safe and vibrant space to play.

CEO Sonja Harmse, who has led St Mary’s for nearly 30 years, reflected on the day’s significance:

@comaro.chronicle The children at St Mary’s Children’s Home are all smiles today as Hot 102.7 and Jet is paying them a special visit. The team from Hot 102.7 and Jet has sponsored new beds and linen to the Home. In addition, they are decorating a wall with a beautiful mural and revamping their basketball court. The children were thrilled to meet the radio team and take part in the games and entertainment. Hot 102.7 also shared how important days like this are. “It’s about more than just giving things—it’s about creating memories and spreading kindness.” #MandelaDay #MandelaDay2025 ♬ original sound – Comaro Chronicle

“The children are the reason we’re here. They are the future.”

From caring for just six orphans in its early days, St Mary’s has grown to support many abused and traumatised children, most of whom arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. Keeping the Home running has been increasingly difficult, with rising costs and ageing infrastructure placing further strain on resources.

Thanks to the contributions from Hot 102.7FM, Jet, and the Jet Ubunye Foundation, the Home is now projected to cut utility bills by up to 60%.

But for Harmse, the real reward is not just financial.

“We’re breaking the cycle, and that’s our reward,” she said.

Carmen Rocha from Hot 102.7FM added:

“Our ethos is sustainability and giving back to the community. While we want to beautify the Home, we’re more focused on reducing the long-term financial strain, especially since they rely mostly on fundraising.”

@comaro.chronicle Founder and Managing Director of Hot 102.7FM, Lloyd Madurai. Hot Cares and the Jet Ubunye Foundation joined forces this Mandela Day to make a meaningful and lasting impact at St Mary’s Children’s Home. For over a century, St Mary’s has served as a sanctuary for vulnerable children, offering not only shelter, but also care, love and the promise of a brighter future. Full story on comarochronicle.co.za #mandeladay @Hot1027FM ♬ original sound – Comaro Chronicle

Facilities manager Johan Nel, who joined the Home in April 2024, has faced ongoing water outages and surging utility bills. He expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“We cannot ask for more.”

He explained that the installation of solar geysers has removed the need for ten conventional ones, cutting both power usage and maintenance.

“And with these new tanks being installed today, we’ll have enough water for at least a week and a half. It’s a huge relief.”

The day was made even more special by the presence of volunteers, staff, and guests. HOT 102.7FM broadcasted live from the Home throughout the day, capturing the spirit of giving and sharing it with listeners. Music, games and delicious meals brought joy to the children, but the biggest highlight was their gratitude. Their smiles said it all.