Two families were overwhelmed with joy and happiness after they received the donations of money, food hamper and clothes in Mamelodi East of Pretoria on Sunday. The founder of Tshepo Art and Projects, Tshepo Mmakanyane (22) from Sunnyside partnered with Balcony View and Sunny-park shopping centre to make the donations.
A 55-year-old Elizabeth Sithole and 42-year-old Maria Makitla from Phomolong informal settlement in Mamelodi East are the beneficiaries of the donation. Mmakanyane told Gauteng News that he rallied around to organise the donations to two destitute families.
“Sithole lost everything and escaped death week before Christmas when her 6-room shack burned to ashes and everything perished in fire. We have put our self in their feet and really feel pity for those living in poverty”
The Makitla family are unemployed and depend on handouts to survive while raising a disabled three-year-old child. Mmakanyane said a close friend helped to trace the family that lost everything in the fire. This came after he saw the article about Sithole family a week before celebrating Christmas.
“I wanted to help the family because it was heart-breaking to see a family losing everything they owned in a fire. We have put ourselves in their shoes and really feel pity for those living hopelessly in poverty,”
“We have adopted those families in the spirit of Ubuntu. Together we can make an impact and a huge difference in other people ‘s lives.”
Sithole said Tshepo Arts and Project should continue assisting the needy. She said it should not end with the two families but continue helping other families too. Meanwhile, Makitla said the generous donation came at the time they really needed it.
“We were struggling a lot since we are raising a disabled child who is unable to walk, sit, talk or play with other children like any other child.”
To get in touch with Tshepo Mmakanayne email him at tshepoartsketcher@gmail.com or contact 063-743-9201
