Local NPOs need donations to continue throughout the festive season
These organisations desperately need help to keep rendering their services during the festive season, such as food and clothes, to keep running.
Three Mamelodi non-profit organisations are working tirelessly to lift locals off from social problems like poverty, homelessness and drug addiction.
Vhathu Phanda Community Forum is a dynamic and passionate NPO dedicated to transforming the lives of the communities it serves.
Thabo Moshabela of the forum said it was founded in response to the growing need for a positive social change in South Africa and has worked tirelessly since to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people.
The organisation is based in the informal settlements of Amanda Park and Leeuwfontein in Mamelodi surrounded by more than 10 informal settlements.
The forum has different programmes, including the GBV survivors programme, which trains victims in different skills and entrepreneurship to enable them to take care of their kids and loved ones.
“We also provide the youth opportunities for bursaries and employment. We run a soup kitchen and homework centre as well as agricultural projects.
The mission of the forum is to take communities off the streets and engage them in constructive activities that will contribute to entrepreneurship.
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their social and economic background.
Our mission is to provide the resources, support and guidance individuals and communities need to create their own economic opportunities and build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Moshabela.
Moshabela said they work closely with community leaders, volunteers, and partners to ensure that their programmes are effective, sustainable and have a meaningful impact on the lives of the people we serve.”
He said the forum believes this is one of the most effective ways to combat poverty and social inequality.
“As a community advocacy group, we are also committed to advocating for the rights of the communities we serve. We work closely with local and national authorities to ensure the needs and concerns of our communities are heard and addressed. We are committed to promoting a more inclusive and just society for all.”
Moshabela said the forum is a passionate and dedicated organisation that is committed to making a positive impact.
He said the forum desperately needs food and clothes donations for the needy.
Anyone who wants to assist can contact Moshabelo on 062 436 6445.
Thandanani Drop Inn Centre was established in 2011 but was formally registered as an NPO on May 3, 2013.
The organisation and its programmes are dedicated to the betterment of life within the community. It was founded by two young, unemployed Mamelodi East residents Thabo Kgotsi and Tswayi Victor.
Kgotsi said they started their first programme to change and improve daily living in the community with the assistance of 12 volunteers.
He said the youth who joined the programme enjoyed the benefits and support the organisation provided. It has since grown with many more young people joining.
“The aim of the centre is to push back hunger, unemployment, poverty, gender-based violence and drug abuse that are ravaging our community,” said Kgotsi.
“Today there are approximately 150 volunteers dedicating time and various types of support to the centre to provide more opportunities to young children and the elderly alike.
The organisation is currently running programmes to:
– Address social ills
– Fight substance abuse,
– Feed children during school holidays and after school
– Assist children with homework
– Provide recreational and extramural activities after school and during school holidays
– Provide job-seeking guidance and support to the youth
– Work towards clean and healthy environments
– Engage young people in recreational and sporting activities
– Early childhood development (ECD)
Anyone who wishes to donate can contact Kgotsi on 078 157 2417.
The newly formed Ditlalemeso Organisation has become a beacon of hope to Mamelodi residents who are waking up in the early morning to receive primary healthcare at a Mamelodi clinic.
Ditlalemeso has made it its mission to provide warm, nutritious soup and bread to keep the people standing in long lines for their medication warm and fill up their stomachs.
“The soup kitchen was started because we could not bear to see people freeze in the cold on empty stomachs, especially elderly people with aching bodies,” director Christina Mangane said.
“People wake up early to be first in line to access primary healthcare and some are on chronic medication so must take their medication immediately when they receive it, hence we provide the food for free.”
She said volunteers buy the ingredients mainly out of their own pockets but local private donors helped too.
At the moment, five volunteers operate the soup kitchen on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Mamelodi has five clinics and our goal is to operate a soup kitchen in each for the whole of the year.”
Anyone who wishes to donate can contact the organisation on 069 867 4778.
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