By: Motshabi Hoaeane
Starting from its founding days in 2016, the Cecelia Nkosi Foundation stands as a pillar of hope and humanitarian support in homes and families plagued by poverty in her community of Leondale and its neighboring surroundings.
According to a UNICEF child food poverty report South Africa is one of twenty countries globally where children are living at risk of life threatening malnutrition. This, including many other people such as the elderly living below the poverty line, reveals poverty is still a social Ill that people endure in the country.
Mrs Cecilia Nkosi (75) is a community builder who is dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged and her mission is deeply rooted in the need to see history not repeat itself as she moves in stride to help decrease the number of those that are poor without sustainable source of sustenance. Moved by a deep need to redress the systematic inequities that also were present in her own upbringing, owing to her own experiences of poverty Nkosi explains, “When I see people that suffer, I am moved, especially coming from the historic background where lack was something I did experience.”
Through her foundation, she addresses critical needs such as food insecurity and access to mobility for people with disabilities. Partnering with organisations like Gift of the Givers and dedicated sponsors such as Nestlé among many others the foundation distributes food hampers, including children’s cereals, basic food essentials, and wheelchairs to members of the community. Her mission is clear, to bridge the needs of those without. Thanks to her work and the donations of proud sponsors hundreds of individuals’ lives have been positively impacted through food donations for individuals, mothers with children and people with disabilities.
A member of the St Anne Sodality and former prison minister in the Boksburg correctional services serving under the Spiritual Care programme Mrs Nkosi wears many hats—all in service of sustaining communities founded on care, compassion and eradicating poverty.
Her influence stretches beyond her immediate faith and community outreach. She remains offering spiritual guidance and emotional support to those in need. Her faith is not only a cornerstone of her personal life but a driving force behind the humanitarian work she does daily.
Under her matriarchal leadership, the Cecelia Nkosi Foundation continues to nourish, uplift, and restore people whose circumstances have robbed them of the joy of enjoying life beyond mere survival. A quiet yet powerful movement that seeks to build the community by keeping it well taken care of.
