With or without funds, four non-profit organisations continue to work tirelessly to uplift the community of Mamelodi.

These organisations, depending on their different goals and missions, somehow ended up working together to help uplift young and old with social issues, poverty, educational programmes, the homeless, and drug addicts.

Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, Tsalanang NPO, Ditlalemeso organisation and Vhathu Phanda Community Forum reflected on their role in the community this past year and shared their wish lists for the festive season.

Thandanani Drop Inn Centre is situated in Mamelodi East section SNS and was established in 2011 and formally registered in May 2013.

This year, Thandanani worked tirelessly, day and night, to reach as many service users and children as possible across Tshwane.

Kate Kekana from the organisation said, “Through the support of various stakeholders, sponsors and donors, we continued to promote a better life, focusing on good nutrition and activities that support a healthy body and mind”.

“Our organisation remains committed to encouraging service users and children to take responsibility for their well-being, especially those affected by drug and substance abuse, as well as GBV,” said Kekana.

She said they visited several public areas, including malls and taxi ranks, to share important information about healthy living, lifestyle awareness, substance abuse support and general well-being.

Kekana said the organisation’s nutritional support programme distributed 42 000 meals this year to individuals experiencing homelessness, children attending aftercare and walk-in clients.

Its Kiddies Department achieved remarkable progress: 98% of the children in the programme showed academic improvement. Kekana said it is a reflection of their hard work and the guidance provided by their dedicated team.

“We also assisted an 11-year-old child in obtaining his birth certificate, ensuring he can now access essential services.

In addition, we supported a 16-year-old who was selected by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to obtain his passport.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all local businesses, organisations, sponsors, donors and everyone who contributed towards making our services impactful. Together, we are creating meaningful change and promoting a healthier, more supported community,” she said.

The organisation wished all its service users and children of Mamelodi a joyful Christmas and a safe, peaceful festive season.

“Our message to the community as we enter the festive season: We encourage everyone to take care of themselves.”

Kekana asked local businesses, government institutions, sponsors, donors and community members to partner with them.

“Your support – whether financial, material or otherwise – helps us continue serving our service users and children.”

For donations, contact Kate Kekana on 071 579 5848 or 074 708 5368.

The Tsalanang NPO was formed to uplift the community by dealing with social issues, including unemployed youth in 2024.

It has grown into a proud community pillar dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and supporting the people of Mamelodi East.

The founder, Tshepo Ramoncha, said 2024 and 2025 were truly remarkable years.

Ramonvha said the organisation continued to grow, learn, and touch lives across the community. “We are deeply grateful to every child, parent, partner, donor, and supporter who walked this journey with us.”

“As we look forward to 2026, we wish to continue prospering in partnership with our community.

We encourage parents and children to join us as part of the Tsalanang family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude, love, and appreciation to the community and, especially, to the young people we serve.”

He said as they prepare for the new school year, he humbly requested the community’s continued support.

“We kindly ask for donations of school uniforms, stationery, school shoes, and other learner support items to help our children start the year with confidence and dignity,” said Ramoncha.

The organisation also partnered with Vhathu Phanda through the Sispana Back-to-School Programme, ensuring many learners were supported and school-ready.

He said the organisation has lined up the following community initiatives for 2026 aimed at uplifting the community of Mamelodi East: a community soccer tournament, Fathers Matter, and building material donations.

Tsalanang’s year-end message: “We appreciate every stakeholder, collaborator, donor, volunteer, and community member who stands with us in building a safer, stronger, and more united Mamelodi.”

Ramoncha further wished all families in Mamelodi a safe and Merry Christmas, and a prosperous, peaceful, and blessed New Year.

Anyone who wishes to assist the organisation with donations can contact Ramoncha on 076 712 7321 or 074 847 5507.

Ditlalemeso Organisation has become a beacon of hope for Mamelodi residents who are waking up in the early morning to receive primary healthcare at a Mamelodi clinic.

It has made it its mission to provide warm, nutritious vegetable soup with bread to keep people warm and fill up their stomachs while standing in long lines and before taking their medication.

Bennet Maponya from the organisation said they worked tirelessly this year to reach all residents in Mamelodi with the help of various local clinics and other NPOs’ collaborations.

“We encourage all residents to take care of their health and encourage people with chronic diseases to take their medication on time.

“We encourage people to be screened and tested for all diseases in their nearest clinics,” said Maponya.

Other programmes Ditlalemeso has done this year were reaching out to various public areas like malls and taxi ranks to bring information to the residents about all chronic diseases, and distributing condoms.

The organisation wished all residents of Mamelodi a happy Christmas and festive season.

Maponya said residents must take care of themselves during this festive season by taking medication on time, using condoms, not to drink and drive, and reporting any form of GBV.

He concluded by calling all local businesses, local government, national government, and all residents to come on board through any form of donation.

For donations, contact Bennito Maponya on 069 867 4778.

Vhathu Phanda Community Forum NPO is dedicated to transforming the lives of the communities it serves.

Boitumelo Mashakeng from the forum said this year they acted as a catalyst for change in Mamelodi, linking schools, police, correctional services, and local businesses to tackle the issues that matter most. These issues include child protection, gender-based violence, mental health, and youth empowerment.

Mashakeng said the forum’s initiatives included a Child-Protection Book-Reading Picnic at FF Ribeiro Primary, teaching learners their rights, and Women’s Day Stop Child Trafficking Walk.

Children also participated in the inter-regional drum majorettes championships, and the NPO erected sanitary pad and toiletries emergency booths at local schools.

In short, Vhathu Phanda was the backbone of many community-focused projects in Mamelodi this year, turning education-based interventions into real-world impact.

Mashakeng urged those looking to get involved can do so through its Christmas gifting project, which is hosted annually to help children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds receive Christmas gifts.

“You can donate food parcels, toys, stationery, and Christmas clothes,” she said.

Anyone who wishes to give a helping hand can contact the forum on 065 709 8425.

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