For 25-year-old Luciano Louw, walking into his newly renovated bedroom for the first time was a moment he never expected.

Paralysed from the waist down after being shot multiple times in November 2023, the Vrededorp resident spent years without many of the basic comforts most people take for granted. After months of planning, fundraising and community support, however, The Sky Foundation, as part of its Mandela Day initiative, transformed his bedroom into a space he now proudly calls home.

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Led by volunteers Ilse Kaya, Mark Hendriks, Esti Swart, Elaine Barnes, and Luciano’s sister Leonie Cupido, supporters from Melville, Victory Park, Fontainebleau, and Vrededorp, together with businesses in Fourways and Midrand, donated materials, skills, and labour to complete the renovation. The project had been in planning since December last year and culminated in a full day of work on Mandela Day.

Melville resident and Sky Foundation founder Tasslyn Samuel said the initiative was about restoring dignity, while giving Luciano a place where he could feel comfortable and safe.
“We wanted to create a space that would improve Luciano’s quality of life. The response from the community was overwhelming, with volunteers and businesses giving their time, skills, and resources to make this possible.”

For Luciano, the transformation was difficult to put into words. “They completely changed my room. I can’t even recognise it anymore. Before, I never really had anything. I didn’t even have a proper bed. These people really helped me and blessed me, and I hope God blesses them abundantly for what they did for me.”

Stepping into the room for the first time left him emotional. “It feels so warm. I don’t even want to leave my room anymore, because it’s so beautiful. Everything is perfect. There’s nothing I don’t like about it.”

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Luciano said Mandela Day should inspire people to help others throughout the year, rather than limiting acts of kindness to just 67 minutes. “Don’t only do it for 67 minutes. Always do it. The people who helped me spent the whole day here, from the morning until about five in the afternoon. They did so much for me. Helping others shouldn’t stop after one day.”

Leonie, who works as a domestic worker and has cared for Luciano since the shooting, said seeing the community rally around her brother renewed her faith. “My heart wants to help so many people, but my hands are small. To see what God has done through these people gives me hope. We could never have done this on our own, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible.”

Samuel said the work does not end with Mandela Day. The Sky Foundation plans to continue supporting the family by renovating the bathroom. They’re still seeking donations, including a geyser, paint, and bathroom fittings, while continuing its broader mission of assisting vulnerable families throughout Johannesburg.

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