When Fourways Review first met Zola Kupa at the Clay Oven informal settlement, he wasn’t interested in speaking to journalists. He was busy, surrounded by children tugging at his sleeves, some laughing, others clinging to his arms. What caught our attention wasn’t just the noise of play, but the calm gentleness with which he handled every child.

It was clear there was a story here, a story about hope in one of the toughest corners of the suburb. After some gentle persuasion, Kupa agreed to talk. What he shared would later move an entire community to action.

Kupa runs New Beginnings Daycare, a small but vital centre he created so that children in the settlement wouldn’t have to spend their days wandering the dusty paths, exposed to the harsh realities of informal life. “I just wanted them to be safe. Some of these little ones were always outside, exposed to things they are not supposed to see. I knew something had to be done.”

Read more: New Beginnings for Clay Oven’s children

After his story appeared in the newspaper, it reached someone who couldn’t ignore the feeling of wanting to help.

Bernadette Oeschger, a Fourways resident and grandmother of seven, drives past the Clay Oven informal settlement every day. For months she had noticed the yellow house, and the children playing outside, until one day, she read Kupa’s story in the paper.

“When I saw his story, it was almost like confirmation. I knew I couldn’t wait. I went straight there to introduce myself. The quicker we met, the quicker we could start.”

Oeschger is the owner of Be Financed, a finance brokerage that helps companies acquire equipment. Each year, she chooses a charity project to support, and this year, she chose New Beginnings. “Meeting Zola was a privilege.

It’s our job, as older members of the village, to walk alongside young visionaries like him. He’s the founder, a teacher, a nose-wiper, and a true community hero.”

Together, Kupa and Oeschger drew up a list of basics to improve the daycare, from kiddies’ tables and storage containers, to playground shading and artificial turf. Through her business and network of friends, family, and clients, Oeschger began rallying support.

Also read: Fourways’ Starfish Greathearts Foundation fights hunger on World Food Day

“Many people want to help, but don’t know how. If you show them exactly what’s needed, they’ll gladly contribute. It’s about giving everyone a way to make a difference within their means.”

So far, families have donated art and stationery supplies, and a few corporates have stepped in to help with shading for the play area, but there’s still more to do. Oeschger’s biggest wish is to secure a container classroom, one that will provide better shelter and space for the children as New Beginnings grows.

Oeschger said working with Kupa has reminded her how powerful small acts of kindness can be. “He’s a gentle, respectful young man with a genuine heart for children. We have to protect them and give them a foundation. It doesn’t take much if each person just does a little, we can do something amazing together.”

For Kupa, the response has been humbling. “I’m taking my words back,” he laughed. “I’m grateful for the article.”

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