By: Motshabi Hoaeane
On the 18th July 2025, Chris Hani Crossing Mall, in Vosloorus commemorated Mandela day 2025 under the national “its still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality” by building a brave new world through accelerating the efforts of non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Kathorus as part of its annual competition.The mall holds an annual competition to support and elevate local businesses and non-profit organizations, offering a platform for recognition, exposure, and meaningful community impact.
This year, “Nikela Ngokuzikhandla” competition recognised five NPOs as winners during the 67-minutes which were held at the Mall, alongside stakeholders such Motheo Health Care, and others who fully supported the day’s activities with services and support to its consumers as well as the proactive collection of donations.
Five NPOs who had taken on the challenge and each received a R3000 cash injection to boost the operations of their organisations. The winning organisations included; Bophelong Wellness Centre, Phinda Mzala, Impumelelo Soup Kitchen and Orphanage, DJ Strauss Foundation, and Wisdom Foundation. On top of the cash they won they also received branded pop up banners to enhance their visibility in the work that they do.
Chris Hani Crossing Marketing Manager said it is of great importance that NPOs are recognised for work they do in the community to bring sustainable change. “They received a cash injection of R3000 – as they fund their organisations from their own pockets -what we intended to do is support them. The purpose of this campaign was for relationship building and to have future meaningful collaborations.” She said.
“From this we’re hoping to have Chris Hani Crossing stretch itself into communities that are disadvantaged and so that we are everywhere in the circumference of our services” Kekana added.
The organisations were elated with joy and grateful for winning this competition, all saying the money will go into supporting already existing programmes which they were running in their organisations such as soup kitchens, home based care services, beading programmes, completing theatre plays, as well as providing relief to young groups that relied on their assistance for sanitary wear and food supplies.
Founder of DJ Strauss Foundation, Khaya, said that there was a lot the money was planned for, and that it would particularly go into growing the organisation – which donates sanitaryware, food hampers and school shoes. “Im feeling very happy.” he said. “This money will also go into our organisation’s third birthday, which will go hand in hand with the work we do particularly on Women’s Month to embetter lives.”
Representative at Wisdom Foundation, Dalindyebo Mvuleni, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Chris Hani Crossing Mall saying “I feel very happy to have our organisation selected in this competition.” He furthermore more added that the cash injection received by his organisation would be of great help to it’s programs which focused on the development of artists, singers, dancers and actors. He furthermore mentioned that a specific focus would go into supporting everything related to it’s play-based on Atholl Guard’s book: My children, My Africa.
The Bophelong Wellness Centre, team was very elated and grateful saying the competition recognition showed them that their work is not on vain and that the money will go towards it’s central programs of home based-care and soup kitchens. “We are happy because this tells us that God is opening doors, has seen our tears because we’ve been through a lot through this journey” said Sylvia Lekker Maboe.
