As the year draws to a close, here are some takes on how 2025 treated NGOs in Pretoria West, as well as how you can help continue the work they do.

CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge

Since opening their doors in 2009, CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge has supported children with cancer and their parents who travel from communities near and far for treatment at Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

As an active part of the paediatric oncology support team, they provide a safe and caring ‘home-away-from-home’ where families facing the hardest moments of their lives can receive practical and emotional support – free of charge.

Spokesperson Lucy Balona says that throughout the year, they work with families whose children undergo long and difficult treatment journeys, often lasting six months to two years, or even more.

Many of these children come from low- or no-income households, and the cost of nutritious food – essential for recovery and readiness for each treatment session – is simply beyond their reach.

The lodge’s regular food parcels, meals, accommodation, counselling, and laundry services are all made possible through the generosity of the community.

One of the children the lodge has supported is 11-year-old Nelson Mafukeng from Bronkhorstspruit. He was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in November 2023 and underwent an amputation, which saved his life. With courage, medical care and solid nutritional support, he has adapted incredibly well and now visits them only for check-ups.

Mafukeng’s story is a testament to what kindness, nutrition and community support can achieve – and he is just one of many children who rely on Nicus Lodge during their cancer journey.

“As we look back on the year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the churches, organisations, families and individuals who have supported us.

“Your contributions help bring hope, dignity and comfort to every child and parent who passes through our doors. We are deeply grateful and look forward to welcoming new partners in the year ahead,” Balona says.

This festive season, the lodge is preparing 100 toiletry and sanitary gift bags for the oncology families.

They are currently running short of items such as toiletries, sanitary pads, soap, toothpaste and related essentials.

Any contribution – big or small – will be warmly appreciated and will make an immediate difference. For more information or to offer support, please email tlc@cansa.org.za or WhatsApp 083 616 1142, and we will gladly call you back.

“From all of us at CANSA TLC Nicus Lodge, we wish the Pretoria community a joyful, safe and blessed festive season. Thank you for helping us care for children with cancer,” Balona says.

The Soulbent Project

Located on 37 Mohlatswa Street, Saulsville, Pretoria, Soulbent has been at the forefront of township community clean-ups since being founded in 2019.

They have conducted weekly clean-ups around Saulsville, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, and even recently branching out to Soweto.

Founder Mashudo Makhado says while the year was not without its challenges, the NGO is grateful for the growth that occurred.

“[2025] has been a year of growth, impact, and continuous service for us. Our volunteers worked tirelessly across Saulsville, Atteridgeville, and Soweto – cleaning rivers, removing illegal dumping, planting trees, running our soup kitchen, and promoting recycling and food gardening.

“We now have over 80 committed volunteers who dedicate their time Monday to Friday to keeping our environment clean and our communities supported. While we have seen progress, the challenges remain significant.

“Pollution in our rivers, waste management issues, and the rising need for food support demand consistent action,” Makhado says.

Some of the initiatives the NGO conducted this year, alongside private and government partners (in some instances) included:
– Moganwe River clean-ups
– Illegal dumping site clean-ups
– School and community vegetable garden projects
– Soup kitchen food distribution days
– World Water Day and World Wetlands Day activities.

The NGO currently needs assistance with the following:
– Donations of plastic bags, gloves, and cleaning tools
– Support with transport or a branded vehicle for awareness campaigns
– Contributions toward our soup kitchen, serving school children and community members
– Volunteers willing to join our weekly clean-up and tree-planting activities.

To support the Soulbent Project, email soulbent1@gmail.com or contact Mashudu directly at 078 914 1806.

The Waratwa Foundation

The Waratwa Foundation was founded by Oratile Motsusi, who started the foundation to spread love to those who have not felt it.

‘Waratwa’ means loved in Tswana. The NPO aims to mitigate poverty and help communities thrive by giving and caring for them.

Motsusi says that 2025 was a busy year for them, though they were grateful for the support of their community in carrying out various events.

The NPO was able to reach a lot of beneficiaries through a variety of initiatives, from feeding programmes to health-awareness campaigns.

Some of the highlights include:
– Lupus Awareness Fun Walk – May 31, in Mamelodi East
– Sports Against Crime – July 4 at the Shaka Residence in Soshanguve, promoting safe play spaces.
– 67 Meals Honouring Madiba’s Legacy – July 18 in Danville, Pretoria West
– Winter Drive – Aug 15, in Windhoek, Namibia, supporting vulnerable families.
– Stranger Danger Theatre Production – Oct 11, at the Saulsville Arena in Atteridgeville, educating young children.

“These events would not have been possible without the generosity of volunteers, donors and partners. Thank you once again for supporting the Waratwa Foundation. We look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year,” Motsusi says.

The NPO needs community assistance with the following:
– Sanitary products
– School shoes
– Gently-used clothing
– Volunteer teams for logistics, event set-up and mentoring
– Sponsorship or in-kind donations of sports equipment, refreshments and transport.

For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569823615040.

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