In honour of Mandela Day, the Independent Development Trust (IDT) hosted a Mandela Day event at the Give Them Hope Foundation in Nellmapius, Mamelodi. The event was graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala, the IDT Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tebogo Malaka, and members of the Executive Committee (EXCO), who all came together to give back to the community by supporting vulnerable children.

Give Them Hope Foundation Orphanage is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO-078-576) under the Department of Social Development. It is located in Nellmapius Ext 4, Mamelodi and provides a home for approximately 20 children aged between 0 and 18 years. In addition to those residing at the orphanage, the foundation also supports over 60 children from the surrounding community through various social development activities.

Recognising the important role played by the foundation, the IDT contributed a range of essential items including dignity packs, pre-loved clothing, blankets, and food parcels as part of the Mandela Day initiative.

The day began with a warm welcome from the IDT CSU Executive Head, Ms Vangile Nene, who highlighted the importance of giving back. In her speech, she emphasised that the IDT, through the Mandela Day initiative, is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and encouraged everyone to “make every day a Mandela Day.”

Given that the Orphanage caters mostly teenagers, the IDT Wellness team invited professionals from Clearview Clinic to conduct educational talks focused on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. This vital engagement aimed to raise awareness and discourage substance abuse among the youth. The clear view clinic donated 20 blankets. The Medical Protection Society (MPS) joined the occasion, spending time with the children and showing their support.

In her welcoming remarks, IDT CEO Ms Tebogo Malaka reflected on the inspiring journey of the Give Them Hope Foundation. She shared that the founder, Mme Matsidiso, initially ran a tavern but, after witnessing the daily struggles faced by children of the community, she chose to use her profits to establish the foundation as a place of home and help children in need. Ms Malaka emphasised that the foundation not only transforms lives but also fully embraces the spirit of Mandela Day by promoting compassion, active citizenship, and service.

“This day is a call to action for individuals, organisations, and communities to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. Give Them Hope embraces those values,” she said, before formally introducing the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala.  

The Deputy Minister delivered a powerful speech, reflecting on the township’s historic role in the liberation struggle and honouring the sacrifices of local heroes such as Solomon Mahlangu, Stanza Bopape, Reverend Nico Smith and others. He emphasised that fighting poverty is not an act of charity, but one of justice and human dignity. He reminded audience that where poverty exists, there is no true freedom, and that combating social issues such as inequality, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse must be a shared responsibility.

He applauded the efforts of the Give Them Hope Foundation for supporting vulnerable children and called on communities to follow their example. Addressing the youth, he encouraged them to embrace education, discipline, and community values, affirming that future leaders of South Africa will continue to emerge from townships like Mamelodi. He reminded them of Mandela’s words: “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that great generation.” The Deputy Minister concluded by urging everyone to work together to build a better, more caring society.

As the day progressed, the IDT Team, CEO, and EXCO members and Deputy Minister, participated in the handover of donations and rolled up their sleeves and actively participated in various activities, including repainting parts of the orphanage.

The day concluded with the symbolic planting of a tree a gesture representing hope, growth, and the promise of a better future for the children of “Give Them Hope.”

Mme matsidiso warmly expressed her gratitude to all the people who donated and supporters who had come to contribute to the children’s well-being. She emphasised how important such visits are for the children, explaining that the attention and care make the children feel valued and special. She aslo expressed gratitude for the Deputy Minister’s presence, noting that it is not often communities like theirs are visited by leaders, which made the moment truly special. She also reflected on her journey, sharing that starting Give Them Hope was a difficult decision, she never imagined after all she had been through, that she would one day be able to help others. She noted that, unlike usual mornings when she wakes the children early, on this special day she did not need to. the children, knowing the Deputy Minister would visit, woke up on their own. They were eager and filled with joy for the important visit.

ENDS
Issued by:
Office of the Chairperson
Independent Development Trust

For Media enquiries: Ms. Lerato Modisana, 073 599 6633 or Lerato.Modisana@idt.org.za.

Issued by the Independent Development Trust, an entity of the Department of
Public Works and Infrastructure.