One woman is changing lives in Soshanguve
Driven by her experiences of hardship, Kagiso Phenye offers food relief, job opportunities, and after-school care in Soshanguve through her self-funded foundation.
Rekord is shining its light during Women’s Month on the Kagiso Phenye Foundation in Soshanguve South, which empowers children, women, and vulnerable families.
It was officially established on April 4, 2012, by Kagiso Phenye. She runs it out of her pocket and through donations from good Samaritans.
Phenye was inspired by her own experiences of hardship, poverty, and environmental degradation, which saw her commit to selfless service and community work.
“What inspired me to start this organisation was the desire to create positive change in vulnerable communities.
“I have witnessed and personally experienced challenges such as abuse and lack of resources. Above all, I realised it is my passion to be in someone’s shoes even if I do not know them,” explained Phenye.
The name of the foundation is deeply personal: Kagiso, which means peace, reflects her belief in restoring harmony and resolving disputes through empathy.
Phenye is her late father’s surname, a man she never met, as he passed away when her mother was eight months pregnant.
“He died just after matric, and people said he was brilliant. He was even chosen to go overseas for further education. Carrying his name makes me feel he is my guardian angel,” she recalled.
Although the foundation was registered in 2012, its activities only began in earnest in 2016.
With no formal support or grants, Phenye used her salary to buy bread and share it with hungry families.
“Some people had no plan for food. Just that small act was appreciated more than I could imagine.”
Over time, the initiative grew into a more structured set of programmes.
The foundation provides job creation opportunities, after-care services for children, a soup kitchen, and recreational activities like netball and soccer for local youth.
They also refer cases of abuse or addiction to qualified social workers. In January 2024, a partnership with Clothes to Good Company sparked a major breakthrough.
The company donated second-hand clothes to the foundation, which in turn helps unemployed women resell the items to generate income.
“This initiative created jobs for 40 unemployed women. It was a huge success. We don’t define success by financial profit, but by the positive impact on people’s lives.”
With these earnings, the women also help fund the soup kitchen and other community needs.
“We also do home visits ourselves and create our own list. Of course, due to limited resources, we can only help as many as our small budget allows.”
Though the foundation does not have formal partnerships with schools or clinics, it offers after-school homework support and refers troubled children or addicted adults to social workers.
While the foundation has helped over 200 families to date, Phenye said one story still brings her to tears.
“A woman told me her husband left her and the kids, and she had nothing. When she joined the foundation’s micro-business project, she was able to put bread on the table for her children. That changed her life. That’s what we live for.”
Phenye says the biggest challenge is the lack of financial support and equipment.
“We have tried sending proposals to government and private companies, but we are still waiting. Unfortunately, corruption exists in these systems. Some organisations are funded because they know someone on the inside.”
What they need now is not just cash, but transport vehicles, school supplies, and a building to serve as a permanent hub and shelter for unemployed single parents.
“We don’t just want handouts. We want the tools to serve our people better.”
The foundation envisions building a home for single mothers and fathers, a safe, empowering space where healing and skills development can take place.
When asked what keeps her motivated on the hardest days, Phenye responded, “I remember why I started, and I think of my father. He would be proud to see me help people. I celebrate small wins and surround myself with positive people.”
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