Cancer survivor (10) reaches out to needy children
“The idea of the Bokang Mosia Foundation came after Mosia, who was born on September 22, 2006, was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2013. He had to undergo an operation which, thankfully, he survived.
A non-profit organisation, Bokang Mosia Foundation, recently held a Christmas party for less fortunate children at the Fountain of Love orphanage, in Katlehong.
Zodwa Masinga, the communications manager of Bokang Mosia, which was named after its founder, Bokang Manqoba Mosia (10), said its aim is to create lasting solutions to poverty, education, social injustice and skills development.
“The idea of the Bokang Mosia Foundation came after Mosia, who was born on September 22, 2006, was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2013. He had to undergo an operation which, thankfully, he survived.
“On his way to a hospital check-up, he noticed young kids sleeping on cardboard and plastic bags on the streets of Johannesburg. He was inspired to collect blankets and food for needy children.
“He approached family, friends and church members for donations, and even stopped motorists at robots to ask for donations.
“Mosia managed to collect over 60 blankets which he distributed on Youth Day in June 2015. These blankets were given out at Usindiso Ministries, a shelter in Johannesburg, Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project, a NGO in Motswaledi, Soweto, and Ikhaya Elihle, a foster home run by granny Thembisile Sithole, in Pimville,” said Masinga.
He added that there are many other projects that the 10-year-old Mosia is involved in, including Mandela Day events.
“For Mandela Day, this year, Mosia partnered with Southgate Mall and managed to collect blankets, clothes and food for over 80 children and parents of the Thembalethu Combined School, in Eikenhof.
“On his birthday, each year, we celebrate at cancer-treating hospitals or any other cancer-related organisation. We spend time with children diagnosed with cancer and celebrate Mosia’s birthday with them. We call it ‘every child’s birthday’. Our aim is to make all children diagnosed with cancer feel special,” said Masinga.
He said that the Christmas party at Fountain Of Love, in Makuba Street, Katlehong, was a very special day.
“The main aim of this event was to bring a bit of Christmas joy to all the children, to bring the message of Christmas and also to have lots of fun. Just because the children don’t have biological families, doesn’t mean that they don’t have love. At any age, gifts are a huge love language for kids,” Masinga said.
He thanked the event sponsors, Paramount Tracks, for donations of shoes, food and other gifts that were handed to the children.
“Paramount Tracks has always been there for us, sponsoring every event that we do,” said Masinga.
