Clay Oven’s ‘beacon of hope’
FOURWAYS – Invisible Hands foundation is on a mission to save the future of the youth living Clay Oven informal settlements
Photo: Refentse Makgamatha
Morningside resident Sisipho Ntshokoma has taken it upon herself to help 30 children living in Clay Oven settlements which lies on the banks of the Braamfontein Spruit in Paulshof corner Witkoppen Road and Main Road.
The 30-year-old started being part of soup drives in the area in 2014, today she has her own registered, non-profit organisation called Invisible Hands.
“Clay Oven settlement is home to many South African families and to some coming from neighbouring countries. There are over 30 children living in this settlement ranging from infants to schoolgoing children. In 2014 I came across the settlement and I built a relationship with the parents and mostly the children as I recognised the bright little jewels,” Ntshokoma explained.
Her mission is to transform the lives of children living in underprivileged and disadvantaged communities. “My vision for Invisible Hands is to be a beacon of hope for every child living in Africa by enabling them to reach their full potential and assist them to achieve their dreams regardless of their current circumstances.”
One of the children Ntshokoma has built a strong bond with is eight-year-old Nhlanhla Mabuza. The young boy’s mom Lindiwe Mabuza said, “I’m a mother of three, I moved to Clay Oven in 2007. Living here has its [ups and downs], men in the area sometimes get into brawls which scares me for the kids and the area isn’t that safe.”
With sewage running in the middle of the settlement, the children in the area have adopted that as their norm but Nthsokoma has been of great help exposing the children to brighter areas. Nhlanhla said, “Sister Sisipho has helped us a lot, we’ve gone to parks and restaurants with her and I just love her very much.”
Ntshokoma added, “Everything I do for the children is self-funded and with the assistance of a few individuals.. During the day I work a normal nine-to-five but donations to help me help these children even more will be heaven on earth for me.”
Ntshokoma’s future objectives are lengthy, “I want to provide education assistance to schoolgoing children of disadvantaged communities. This will include full-tuition scholarships, school uniforms, stationery, school transport, career exhibitions and tutoring. Provide social support to families affected by HIV and Aids, provide extra-mural activities and the list goes on.”
On 9 November, Invisible Hands hosted its official launch at Adega Restaurant in Rivonia to raise funds for the 2020 Back-to-School Drive. Ntshokoma said that the launch went beyond her expectations. There were over 70 people who attended the event and Ntshokoma said that many were interested in it becoming an annual event. Those who were not able to attend also pledged donations to the project.
“We are appealing to the public to assist in various ways they are able to do so. We have over 30 children. We are in need of school uniforms, school shoes and stationery,” Ntshokoma concluded.
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