Kempton Park’s passionate and energetic 40-year old, Zandile Phofu is a founder and vision bearer of several initiatives that are aimed at empowering women, youth, and children in all aspects of their lives.
The V-cycle instructor, wife, entrepreneur, and community builder is embarking on collecting school shoes, stationery, and dignity packs for less privileged children in Soweto, Midrand, and Ivory Park. Talking to Ekurhuleni News, Phofu mentioned that this initiative will help learners by restoring their hope, pride, and dignity.
“Most of these learners are living in extremely poor conditions thus most do not have the luxury of shoes. The drive aims to get communities to donate new or secondhand shoes that are still in good condition to those who are in need, and also to make our community aware of people around them who are challenged so that they can make a difference,” said Phofu.
Currently, Phofu is a runner for semi-finalist Mrs Universe Africa, a platform that gives African women their power back and celebrates their diversity. The pageant is aimed at married, divorced, and widowed women between the ages of 20-50 years.
“This is the first time I enter pageantry, therefore it is completely out of my comfort zone. I entered this pageant because I wanted to challenge myself in achieving something out of the ordinary and to prove the concept that you can be anything you can dream of,” she added.
All the difficulties of surviving septicemia, rape, and molestation have pushed Phofu to believe in herself and to pursue her heart desires and she is determined to inspire others.
The semi-finalist of Mrs Universe Africa has managed a few programmes that dealt with assisting child-headed households in Orange Farm, where families were challenged to adopt each disadvantaged family and assist them with paying school fees, buying stationery and uniform, buying groceries, and buying clothes for the project beneficiaries.
Those who wish to be part of Phofu’s vision can contact her on 072 124 6449 or on lebophofu@gmail.com. The parcels will be distributed during the first week of February.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
