Cookie Moodley – using lived experience to advocate for others

Cookie Moodley has been nominated as a ZO Shero for her years of service to the Zululand community

28 seconds ago

Conelia Harry 2 minutes read

Reading about a man tragically taking his own life after being bullied at school was a turning point for Cookie Moodley.

Able to relate, the community advocate says living with a partial hearing disability – the result of a birth defect – saw her bullied as a child.

The story was a stark reminder of her own experience, prompting her to establish an organisation that creates anti-bullying awareness and emotional support for children.

She has been nominated as a ZO Shero for her years of service to the Zululand community.

Cookie’s community initiatives began with opening Emmanuel Preschool out of a passion for children.

After almost a decade, she expanded into other ventures, volunteering at Richards Bay Secondary School.

She collaborated with organisations such as Sanca, LifeLine, SAPS and other social services, focusing on counselling and mentorship to help youngsters navigate personal challenges.

“Witnessing my parents’ generosity and later encountering families in dire need during mission trips made me realise that even small acts of kindness can transform lives,” said the shero.

“A pivotal moment was seeing the struggles of families first-hand. It ignited a conviction and I had to actively contribute to change.”

Cookie’s upbringing taught her compassion, which deepened when working with her late husband, running projects to support struggling families.

“My experiences on mission trips with the late Pastor Timothy Harry and Pastor Priscilla Harry further opened my eyes to the realities of poverty and hardship, reminding me to remain committed to helping others.”

Establishing a community initiative

After years of volunteering and running her school, Cookie founded Moms who Care, a group dedicated to teaching children and adults about the effects of bullying.

“We visit schools across Richards Bay, using age-appropriate lessons – fun and interactive for younger children, and more serious discussions for teenagers – to raise awareness and equip them with tools to navigate difficult situations,” she explains.

She has also authored a book on anti-bullying, which she hopes to publish to create further awareness.

“One of the greatest challenges has been balancing personal hardships with community work. When Covid forced me to close my crèche and care for my paralysed husband, I had to redirect my energy. Yet, even in those difficult times, I found renewed purpose.”

Cookie hopes to continue creating safe spaces, fostering resilience, and equipping people with tools to face life’s challenges.

This includes establishing a School of Life where young people can learn practical skills to navigate everyday challenges, from bullying to emotional trauma, and prepare for adulthood with confidence.

Moms who Care can be contacted on 071 8270283.

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