PHALABORWA – The Molopa Foundation, a Phalaborwa NGO, marked its first anniversary on Mandela Day by securing an aviation partnership while changing lives through rehabilitation and community support.

Celebrating a year of impact

The foundation, which was officially launched on Mandela Day last year, celebrated its first anniversary by partly sponsoring a career expo at Lanseria Airport in Gauteng on Friday, July 17.

The initiative forms part of the organisation’s long-term vision to introduce aviation education to learners in Phalaborwa.

Opening young eyes to the sky

The career expo, which attracted about 600 Gr 8 to 12 learners from schools across Gauteng, exposed them to a wide range of careers available in the aviation industry.

As part of the event’s sponsors, the foundation provided breakfast packs, hygiene packs for boys and sanitary pads for girls.

Never forgetting home

While representing Phalaborwa at the national event, the foundation also remained committed to serving its local community by donating a paediatric standing frame to a child in need through the Body and Mind Therapy organisation in Phalaborwa. The mobility aid was handed over on Mandela Day to improve the child’s quality of life.

Khanyisa Mnisi of Molopa Foundation said the partnership with Lanseria Airport is an important step towards creating opportunities in aviation for young people from Phalaborwa and surrounding communities.

“Our town does not have an airport, and as a result, many learners believe aviation is only about becoming a pilot. We want to expose them to the wide range of career opportunities available in the industry,” Mnisi said.

“We are excited to partner with the airport as it will help us expand our community programmes beyond Phalaborwa, creating more opportunities in education, youth development, skills training, environmental initiatives and community wellness,” she added.

A story of hope for young people

The foundation also used the event to educate learners about the dangers of substance abuse. Rehabilitation ambassador Moraba Lepako, from Phalaborwa, who has been sober for 13 months, shared her inspiring journey from drug addiction to recovery.

Lepako, a mother of three, told learners that experimenting with cannabis during high school eventually led to addiction, causing her to lose educational opportunities, destroy good relationships, and lose hope for the future.

Rebuilding a life, reuniting a family

Her life changed when the Molopa Foundation funded her three-month rehabilitation programme in 2025.

The organisation continued supporting her with housing, therapy and employment, allowing her to rebuild her life and reunite with her three children.

“Never let anyone convince you that drugs are the answer. Protect your future and choose your friends wisely. I am grateful to the Molopa Foundation for giving me a second chance,” said Lepako.

A heart for the Phalaborwa community

Before its launch, the foundation had implemented several community projects in Phalaborwa, including adopting vulnerable children, donating food parcels, creating job opportunities and assisting families in need.