Know Your Local NGO: Mamie’s Angels

By: Puleng Sekabate

Know Your Local NGOs is a new initiative of Express that attempts to bridge the gap between the community, corporates and local organisations.
The aim is to make local organisations that continuously make a difference in the community known to the public.
These organisations include non-profit organisations, non-government organisations and non-profit companies.
This week, we feature Mamie’s Angels Charity Centre, which was established in 2020 and registered in 2021.
• What does the organisation do?
“Mamie’s Angels is an organisation that empowers women and girls, mostly victims of gender-based violence, through skills development and handwork so they can take charge of their lives with pride and dignity,” said the founder, Francine Nzika.
• Where is it based?
“We are based in Rhodesfield but have reach in other parts of Ekurhuleni as well.”
• Who is the organisation targeting and who does it aim to help?
“The organisation targets underprivileged women and girls between the ages 12 and 35 years who dropped out of school due to pregnancy, domestic violence, abuse or financial problems. We teach them skills they can use and make a living from.”
• What are some of your ongoing operations/campaigns/outreach programmes?
“In March, we hosted a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness event. Our next event will be in November during the 16 Days of Activism against GBV when we will host GBV awareness events, inviting police, social workers and trauma counsellors. Last year, we hosted the 16 Days of Activism in Thembisa.
“We worked with Magnetic Hair and Cosmetic to do make-up workshops for a day. Some of our women are busy with making no-sew fleece blankets and decorative cushions.
“We host a soupkitchen every three months for men and women in various areas. For this year's Youth Day we are planning to visit homeless people near the Kempton Park Civic Centre.”
• What are some of the prominent challenges faced by the organisation?
“Funding has been a major problem as the organisation is still new. Secondly, we need the commitment of beneficiaries. They want overnight results. Mamie’s Angels envisions to reduce poverty in these women and to eliminate dependency, violence and abuse. Therefore, their commitment to learn a skill and attend on a regular basis is crucial.”
• What are the organisations needs?
“The organisation needs equipment, materials and volunteers to teach women the skills such as sewing, computer, and make-up. So far, we make craft cushions and no-sew fleece blankets, which is not always a favourite for everyone to learn. Blankets are also seasonal.”
• How has Covid-19, regulations and restrictions and lockdown impacted the organisation?
“The pandemic slowed the organisation’s growth. It was difficult to plan events, go to women and identify those needing help and support.
“Through it all, we thank Roots Butchery and Metro Butchery (both in Kempton Park CBD), Blue Gill Spartan and Pravoma Dental Clinic for their support to the organisation.”
“Contact the organisation on 078 454 6797 or email mamiesangels4@gmail.com