The non-profit organisation, M-Powerment Care, has been nominated for the community service award at this year’s South African Heroes Awards, taking place on November 29. The organisation’s founder, Similo Siyenga, said the team feels humbled and affirmed by the nomination.

“I am truly touched by the recognition. It means the world to me that our impact is being felt beyond the communities we serve, and for that I am forever grateful,” said Siyenga.

M-Powerment Care was initially created in response to needs that arose during the Covid-19 pandemic. The team began by making sandwiches for the homeless and has since broadened its efforts, forming partnerships with individuals and organisations.

“We started M-Powerment Care because I saw urgent local needs and felt I couldn’t wait for others to act. What began as a single youth project grew into a movement and an organisation focused on tangible impact,” he said.

Siyenga is currently pursuing degrees in civil engineering at Unisa and quantity surveying at UP. He said balancing studies with leading the organisation is demanding, requiring discipline, teamwork, faith and a strong support network.

“I rely on a committed team so we can grow without compromising education,” he said.

Since its formal inception in 2021, M-Powerment Care has assisted over 16 000 underprivileged people through food drives and supported thousands of learners with university and bursary applications.

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“We support students across local high schools with applications and funding guidance. Beyond Matsulu and Mbombela, we regularly support shelters in Pretoria, Mamelodi and Atteridgeville,” he added.

The organisation recently secured R44 000 in sponsorship to take underprivileged learners to UP’s EBIT (engineering, built environment and information technology) Week – a four-day holiday programme for Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners, presented biannually by the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.

Siyenga said the organisation is still in need of partners such as schools, businesses, churches, government, volunteers and donors. He further appealed for the donations of funds, perishable and non-perishable goods, clothes and work opportunities to help alleviate youth unemployment.

“Sustainable funding and consistent resources remain the biggest constraints. Demand outweighs supply, and we aim to partner with government to scale from provincial to national impact while building stronger systems. We hope to become a national model for youth-led community development, reaching tens of thousands of learners and families, and influencing educational structures so children from all backgrounds can dream big and access the tools to achieve those dreams,” he said.

A Grade 12 beneficiary, Siphesihle Mashele, said she was grateful to be among the learners who attended the EBIT Week. “I am doing my last year of high school and this was an eye-opening experience in choosing a career. We were exposed to all types of engineering, which was mind-blowing. I am forever grateful for the opportunity, because now I can make an informed decision,” she said.

To assist with donations, contact Siyenga on 072 801 6166.

To vote for the organisation, send an SMS to 47439 with the following: SAHA 033 (R3 per SMS).