The seasons are changing outside.
As winter looms, thoughts of bringing out such luxuries as your winter set of blankets and gas heater might be crossing your mind.
We very seldom spare a thought for those who will be without such comforts during winter.
With this in mind actress and businesswoman Sonia Mbele, previously with Generations, along with Sydney Ramakuela who is famed for playing Mulalo on Muvhango, and businessman and TV host Themba ‘Skeem GP’ Lukhele Nzimande have decided to venture out to Sebokeng on a blanket drive for those less fortunate.
The festivities will also include performances by Master KG, Jelly Babie, and AirBurn Sounds who will all be lending a helping hand.
The idea is simple, this collective of local talents has pooled their resources to donate blankets, food parcels, and winter uniforms to learners in Sebokeng.
“I’ve always supported initiatives like this one, so it was a complete no-brainer . . . I was raised in a family of community leaders so giving back is in my DNA. This is close to my heart,” says Sonia Mbele.
“We are not a set of fingers on a hand which means we’re not all blessed or cannot prosper the same. I always say to my friends especially those who are blessed with wealth: 'Learn to give back because you’re blessed for a reason and those who are blessed need to be a blessing to others'.”
Sonia believes the little that one can do in their corner to help goes a long way.
“Helping is not only in the form of money donations but giving one time to help improve where they contribute to the bigger picture. As a country, we still have a long way to go, in improving our schools, public hospitals, and mostly our mentalities towards planning for the future.”
Sonia looks back on her childhood and she is thankful that she was raised to give over the years, she has collaborated with plenty of NGOs/NPOs, “I just wish I started my own earlier. There is a sense of reward in giving back. Sharing the little one allows room for abundance.”
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Skeem GP who has been on a spate of this kind of initiative weighs in by saying that for him, giving is mandatory.
“We grow through partnerships. This is a partnership that is on empowering young people and our communities which is aligned with my goals. I believe in “There are blessings in giving.” I have been in prison for eight years and there is always that element of wanting to do good and do well.
“There is a need to help and mend societies that one has done wrong. So, I must live an honest life.”
He is of the notion that South Africa would benefit strongly from more collaborative efforts of this nature.
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“Someone once said, ‘If you go alone – you can go fast, but If we go together, we can go very far.’ These joint initiatives go a long way. Our government alone cannot achieve it. Strong good leadership is needed, and leaders are not only in government but live among us, I am a leader in my own right.”
His plans for the remainder of the year are heavily focused on doing more charitable work.
“I have gone to 23 prisons to date, South Africa has 43, I plan to visit all, giving talks, and changing lives. In 2019, DJ Sbu and I did 1100 schools, and I am hoping to reach more. Doing donations, talks, and motivation. This week alone, I will be visiting 13 high schools. I will be working with Dr Mgobhozi, and they have given me schools in the East Rand.”
