Latest news with #NPO
IOL News
5 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Ladles of Love fills stadium on Mandela Day with unity, art, and compassion
Danny Diliberto and Hans Bruechle Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters The Cape Town Stadium was the place to be on Mandela Day, as Ladles of Love hosted its biggest celebration of compassion and service yet. In a powerful show of unity, the non-profit held simultaneous events at the stadium and at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. These gatherings went beyond simply ticking off community service hours. They were vibrant celebrations of purpose and compassion, bringing together scholars, families, and community members for hands-on activities that nourished preschool children and fought child food poverty. Danny Diliberto, founder of Ladles of Love, smiled from ear to ear as scores of people from all ages, genders, and races walked into the stadium, full of excitement. Team work made the dream work Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'I remember our first Mandela Day. I had a vision to feed 600 people, now we are hosting a Mandela Day event in a stadium! 'Operating from a place of kindness, and giving just because you can, man ... that feeling, and the smiles and hugs, you cannot describe it. When you see everyone together there is no race, no gender, no religion, no age, and they are all coming together to do good.' This year, the NPO partnered with acclaimed Australian street artist Hans Bruechle also known as Handbrake to deliver an inspiring and interactive art installation. Everyone was all smiles Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters Alex du Plessis,12, Clara Goossens, 5, and Henri Goossens, 12, all dedicated their time to Mandela Day Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters Bruechle, who could be seen bouncing around with such joyful energy, said: 'The overwhelming positivity, wow, the millions of smiles coming in here, there is an energy here that I didnt experience in Australia. 'Every country should experience Mandela Day in their own way! Just do a little bit more for someone else, you'll be astounded by the difference it can make.' DHL Stadium CEO Gina Woodburn said: 'For us, if we have a few days open and we can make the stadium available for initiative like this, then it's amazing. The setting makes a perfect environment for an event of this nature. 'It also lets people see a different side of the stadium, parts that are generally used for sports teams. 'I also think it's fantastic to see the stadium light up like this, with people and the youth willing to offer up their time to give support and hope to the many communities.' Beneficiary Bulelwa Vangqa, principal of Delft Kids Ministry Educare, was overwhelmed with emotion: 'This time around it's all about children. Especially in our country where our kids' rights are being neglected, children are in need in our communities, we are fighting that kids need to be in school, for a cooked meal, it motivates them to come to school, that is why we appreciate what Ladles of Love are doing. 'I believe that a child cannot learn with an empty stomach and to see that there are so many people who are coming out to make sure they are fed, it's like witnessing something out of another dimension. Right now, we are seeing the Bible in action. May God continue to pour out the blessings on Danny and his team.' Volunteer Mary Ebako, 17, Cape Town, said: 'I feel like I am doing something right, giving back to the community is always my family's motto. The things we do, I've been taught this my entire life. I feel happy to be volunteering.' Weekend Argus
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
How you can spend your Mandela Day
How you can spend your Mandela Day WITH Mandela Day around the corner, several community groups and NPOs have planned their contribution to the global event, which came about to honour the life and legacy of global icon and former president of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, annually on July 18. Also read: 15 ways to make a difference on Mandela Day Mandela Day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, organisations and even businesses to take the time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles, and to bring about positive change and impact in their communities. Often, Mandela Day programmes, events or initiatives go on for 67 minutes, to signify the 67 years the former president dedicated to public service and activism. How you can spend Mandela Day: Cleaning up the Amanzimtoti Sports Centre In preparation for the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club's Cross Country League, Clean Surf Project (CSP) and Sapphire Coast Tourism will spend 67 minutes doing community work to ensure athletes enjoy a scenic, litter-free course. Romy Wenzel of the CSP invited the community to join the clean-up drive to help make the surrounding area cleaner and greener. It will take place from 09:00 until 11:00, and refuse bags will be supplied. Bring along gloves, shoes and water. For more information contact Romy Wenzel on 083 733 6468 or Warren Gibson on 082 713 0305. Fun, games and painting NPO welcomes the community to its centre in Ezimangweni for its exciting Mandela Day upliftment project. The projects for the day include: Feeding little ones with 300 scrumptious peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Engaging with the children in arts and crafts, reading and games. The painting of the NPO's container offices. Sponsors, including Anchor Yeast, Cedar Hill Church, Krupa Foundation and Friends of Usizo-Lomndeni, will participate and contribute, and the NPO hopes the surrounding community will come on board as well for a delightful Mandela Day. It will commence at 09:00 and conclude at around 12:00. Amanzimtoti SPCA – 'Walk the Dogs' volunteering On Mandela Day, SPCA Amanzimtoti invites volunteers to spend 67 minutes walking and caring for rescue dogs. Anyone can also choose to donate R67 or 67 items of food. Amanzimtoti SPCA said Nelson Mandela was known to be a champion of animal welfare and conservation, even serving as a patron for animal welfare organisations. He also had a strong connection with his dog, Gompo, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Furthermore, his compassion extended to wildlife, as he was instrumental in facilitating animal migration routes in Africa. One can volunteer at SPCA Amanzimtoti all day in honour of Madiba's legacy. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Mandela Day: Secret scarves to be distributed in various parts of the country
Scarf distributions began in Bloemfontein over the weekend and are expected to expand to other communities across the country. If you are anywhere around South Africa this week, you could be one of the fortunate ones to come across one of the thousands of 'secret scarves' placed by the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. 'I could never have imagined the incredible momentum our secret scarves initiative would gain over the years,' said 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day founder, Carolyn Steyn. KnitWits for Madiba is a campaign under the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement. 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela was established after Mandela's former personal assistant, Zelda La Grange, challenged Steyn in 2013 to make the 67 blankets. The movement has gone on to capture the attention of many South Africans and international celebrities, as well as corporates and KnitWits for Madiba groups, which are active in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, the UK, the USA, Ireland, Italy, and India. Steyn is the widow of South African billionaire Douwe Steyn, who died earlier this year. A few days after his demise, Steyn posted that it was the couple's first anniversary without him around. 'It's our wedding anniversary today… Oh, how my heart aches,' wrote Steyn. ALSO READ: Carolyn Steyn surges on with 'Hugest Happiness Blanket in the World' after Douwe's death Secret scarves The hand-knit scarves will appear in secret spots nationwide. Each scarf, crafted with care, will bear a special 67 Blankets tag that reads: 'I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me.' 'Over the past decade, the KnitWits have lovingly crafted and distributed thousands of scarves, each one a thread of hope and warmth for someone in need,' said Steyn. Steyn said this campaign has not only warmed bodies but also hearts, making a profound difference in communities across South Africa and inspiring a movement of kindness that continues to grow. The scarf distributions have already started in Bloemfontein's Susanna Wesley Bicentenary Methodist Church over the weekend and are expected to extend to other communities across the country. On Thursday, a day before Mandela Day, people in George will be able to pick up a scarf at Safe Haven for Your Development and After Care. However, a lot of the work will be done on Friday. NOW READ: NPO on a road trip across SA to hand over blankets before winter kicks in
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Local NPO addresses Gender Based Violence
Focusing on issues prevalent in the community, Zululand NPO Bajuka recently hosted a workshop to empower victims of gender-based violence (GBV) through education. Held at the Mzingazi community hall, a human rights-based approach and attendee presence highlighted their commitment to addressing GBV and ensuring survivors receive the protection and support they need. NPO founder Dr Mamie Madi said this was not just a legal dialogue, but rather a human rights conversation. 'Every person deserves safety, dignity and justice. Gender-based violence remains a devastating reality in many communities, affecting individuals physically, emotionally and psychologically. 'The statistics are staggering, but behind each number is a life, a person whose rights have been violated, a person searching for safety. Knowledge is power, and legal protection can be life-changing for survivors, which is why we came together to equip ourselves with the knowledge and practical tools needed,' said Madi. Attendees were made to understand that a protection order is more than just a legal document, but rather a shield. 'A survivor declares that their safety matters, their voice deserves to be heard, and their dignity will not be diminished. But many victims do not know how to access this protection, or they feel discouraged by barriers in the legal system. That is what prompted this workshop to empower, educate, and equip individuals with the understanding they need to seek justice and safety,' said Madi. The session • Explored the purpose and process of obtaining a protection order • Understood the role of law enforcement in protection orders • Learnt about the role of the South African Human Rights Commission in protecting victims of GBV • Shared strategies for supporting those in need within communities Among the stakeholders who presented at the workshop were Professor Kanagie Naidoo from the University of Zululand, who shared insights on the purpose, process and consequences of obtaining a protection order, while from the SAPS, Warrant Officer Zweli Mhlongo presented the role of law enforcement in enforcing a protection order. Other stakeholders included the Department of Justice, South African Human Rights Commission, Department of Social Development, IEC, and uMfolozi Municipality. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
WATCH: New thrift shop to fund care for ill children
A NEW thrift shop in Pinetown has opened its doors where proceeds will go towards an NPO which provides palliative care to children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses in KZN. The NPO, Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children, opened the thrift shop at Sandy Centre in Pinetown in May, and its members encourage donors and potential thrifters to pay them a visit. The NPO's clinical director, Dr Julia Ambler, said the shop's stock is sourced through 'active social media support' which results in good quality products being donated. Ambler and her colleagues, administrator Michelle Norman and the shop's sales exec Zama Gcaba, encourage potential donors to give 'anything you think someone else would like to buy'. 'The idea is for people to shop with dignity – people who cannot afford the pricier retail stores, this shop is for them to find something lovely,' explained Dr Ambler. So far, the reception at the centre and in the community at large has been positive, with support seen through shoppers buying the quality products at affordable prices. Norman said since Umduduzi is an NPO which is not funded by the government, the idea to open up a thrift shop was to create 'a more sustainable income stream' for 'a very good cause which is caring for very sick children'. 'What is not sold at the shop goes towards the children we care for and their families,' said Norman. Also read: 5 Durban children's homes to support this Mandela Day Gcaba thanked the staff at the Spar outlet located at the centre that constantly refers customers to the thrift shop. 'When they get here, they exclaim at the prices,' said Gcaba, who added that some of the items sold are new and had been donated by closed down boutiques. 'But we reduce the prices of those items drastically,' she said. For a large quantity of goods, collection can be arranged, however drop-offs to the shop are preferred. The shop runs from 08:00 to 16:30 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturdays. Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children is a dedicated children's palliative care service providing care to children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses in KZN. The organisation is entirely donor funded. The shop stocks clothing, household goods, toys, children's books, puzzles, games and various other essentials at affordable prices. Dr Ambler said the Umduduzi Hope Chest thrift shop is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. 'By encouraging the reuse of items, we strive to reduce waste and minimise the environmental footprint associated with the production of new goods,' said Dr Ambler. Donors can contact Norman on 072 829 8384 or Dr Ambler on 076 417 8977 or visit the shop at Sandy Centre in Pinetown. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
