Olievenhoutbosch woman champions community support

A woman from Olievenhoutbosch Ext 39 has dedicated herself to her community, embarking on a journey of giving and supporting those in need, particularly children.

Mbali Vilakazi (35) began her path into community activism in early 2017, inspired by her church and a moment of personal reflection while pregnant with her twins.

Sitting in a clinic queue, she noticed women from all walks of life struggling with needs that went far beyond what a sermon or donation box could address.

“I wondered, what can I do for the community? How do we preach hope and leave people empty-handed? There must be more we can do than just preaching and asking for offerings,” she recalled.

From that moment, Vilakazi started small, channelling her love for helping others into tangible support for children in schools.

She organises school shoe and sanitary pad drives about three times a year, mobilising friends and family to contribute.

Working closely with teachers, she identifies the children most in need, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it the most.

“I have children myself, so I understand how upsetting it can be when a child loses a school shoe or needs something basic for school. I cannot imagine a mother who doesn’t work having to scrape together funds at the last minute,” she explained.

Her efforts primarily focus on schools in Olievenhoutbosch, though her goal is to make a meaningful impact wherever she can.

She shared that teachers often express heartfelt gratitude, sometimes sending photos of children receiving the donations, which are a reminder of the real difference these small acts make.

Vilakazi’s commitment extends beyond the school term.

In November 2025, she launched a Christmas charity initiative, encouraging her community to contribute groceries for families in need.

Using a local WhatsApp group, she co-ordinated the collection of essential items like rice, sugar, and mealie meal, inspiring neighbours to join in and fill gaps in the donations.

That year, 10 families benefitted from the programme. Seeing the relief and joy on the faces of parents and children during the festive season was profoundly moving.

“Knowing that while I go and enjoy the holidays with my family, there are other families we’ve been able to support is truly fulfilling,” she said.

She emphasised that she plans to expand the programme this year, aiming to support more than 20 families.

Balancing her work with family life is a priority for Vilakazi, and she credits her husband as her greatest support.

She focuses on her professional responsibilities during the week and reserves evenings and weekends for both family time and her community projects.

“I try to involve my family in most of the things I do. It makes everything worth it,” she said.

Beyond her community initiatives, Vilakazi has recently ventured into the world of pageantry. She joined her first competition in October 2025 and attended the casting in January.

While this is a new pursuit, she views it as complementary to her activism, an avenue for personal growth and a platform to amplify her community work.

“I believe it will help me grow and reach more people,” she said.

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