As Mandela Month concludes, organizations working directly in the most vulnerable areas of Gauteng are strongly urging South Africans not to cease charitable giving after July, emphasizing that children experiencing violence and trauma require daily support.
Activity in Westbury
This sentiment was reflected on July 29th when The Star, in collaboration with the Hope SA Foundation, donated hygiene kits to 95 children at the Slovo Centre of Excellence. This early childhood development center provides educational support, daily meals, and after-school care for children from the surrounding community.
Community Challenges
Despite this initiative being part of Mandela Month, local leaders stated that the most serious issues facing children in Westbury cannot be solved solely through one-off events. The Together Action Group (TAG), which has served Westbury and neighboring areas for 25 years, notes that violence and the emotional impact of these issues have become major difficulties for families in the area.
Operations Manager Rhoda van Buren reported that the organization continues to provide daily support—including homework assistance, nutrition, and developmental programs—to about 80–90 children. However, many of these children arrive carrying a heavy emotional burden caused by the violence occurring around them. Van Buren cited an example, noting that five shootings occurred in just that week, and another person was killed the following morning.
Need for Psychological Support
She stressed that children are increasingly subjected to early-life violence, making access to emotional and psychological support as vital as receiving food and education. Van Buren pointed to a shortage of social workers needed to support traumatized children. While organizations often receive donations in the form of food and clothing, support that helps children cope with trauma remains extremely limited.
Calls to Action
The head of the Hope SA Foundation, Namrita Sivasankar, noted that the challenges faced by Westbury mirror those of many vulnerable communities across South Africa, where NGOs are forced to fill gaps with limited resources. She added that the government must address these issues, as the organization itself receives no support from the Department of Social Development. Sivasankar insisted that Mandela Day should stimulate long-term action, not just one-time gestures, calling for it to become a daily practice rather than merely a subject for media photos and social media posts.
She urged South Africans to continue helping in any way possible, asserting that significant change often begins with small acts of kindness, and advised people to start acting without waiting for a lottery win.
Future of Partnership
Both organizations expressed hope that their collaboration will encourage individuals, businesses, and communities to continue supporting vulnerable children long after Mandela Month concludes.
