Making a difference one book at a time
Mrs Polokwane 2018 finalist, Duduzile Mkhabele, a mother of two, left work in the corporate world to fulfil her dream.
POLOKWANE – In 2015, Dudu and her family visited the children in the Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) ward at the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital.
While spending time with the children and speaking to them, she realised that they sit and do nothing all day.
“In April I approached the hospital, asking them if I can run an educational program with the children,” she explains.
The hospital gave her the go-ahead and since then she hasn’t looked back.
“I established an organisation called Legacy of Learning and I spend my days at TLC. I would like to build a learning centre there and even start teaching the mothers. Most of those mothers lose their jobs as they must be with their children for months on end. By giving them skills, I can assist them in finding work again. I am planning on registering with Seta.”
Duduzile also distributes menstrual cups and for every cup sold, R29 goes toward her organisation.
“Mrs. Polokwane is not about the title. It is about the community. I want people to realise that they can also assist.”
Duduzile’s husband, Lazarus Mphosi, is very supportive of her and Dudu says she is very grateful for his support.
“I have grown so much already and learned a lot from the other finalists. The support in this competition is wonderful. I love the fact that this is not a beauty contest. It is totally community driven and you can just be yourself.”
Apart from raffles that Duduzile sells, she is also hosting a dinner under the sky in September at a secret location.
On 12 August, she plans to take 10 children and their mothers from TLC to the colour run.
