By Palesa Ndinisa
The Nkosinathi Mbonani Foundation, founded by Nkosinathi Mbonani, based in Tsakane declares the foundation’s plans and growth for the year of 2025.
The foundation came to life during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 and has been in operation since, aiding the betterment of the community in Ekurhuleni. Sharing with the newspaper, Nkosinathi expressed that the passion he has for assisting people stems from his late father. “We used to have people come over at home and my dad would donate food to destitute families when I was still young. I kept that spirit and when covid hit, I wanted to do something to help others after seeing how most people lost their jobs. I began giving out food parcels and identifying families in need,” added the compassionate young man.
Disclosing the foundation’s achievements collectively with Nkosinathi Mbonani as an individual, Mbonani received the Ekurhuleni Youth Legacy Award in the Philanthropy and Sports category on behalf of the foundation. The event was hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni and its Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. Nkosinathi Mbonani has also been nominated for the 40 Under 40 Awards in recognition of his outstanding work and contribution to society. The awards are yet to take place in August 2025. The foundation has donated over 100 pads in different schools based in Ekurhuleni. Moreover, the foundation has done a soup and bread drive for grade 12 students at Mbongeni Mgugudu Secondary School, located in Tsakane. In May of this year, the foundation hosted its third annual charity games at Tsakane Stadium where small local businesses teamed up to play soccer matches and compete against each other for a prize. This year’s prize was R12 000 worth of money, the winner then donates to a charity of their choice. The charity games tournament secured a number people with short-term employment. In conclusion of the organisation’s achievements for this year, the foundation had a soup and bread drive as part of the Mandela Day initiative at Phuthanang Clinic, Tsakane.
Planned activities and initiatives of the organisation include hosting the largest soup drive which will be hosted in Tsakane later this year. Additionally, the Nkosinathi Mbonani Foundation will host more charity games tournaments the coming spring season.
The Nkosinathi Mbonani Foundation is dedicated to changing people’s lives one meal at a time. “Anyone interested in contributing can rather do so by donating blankets, pads, school shoes or uniforms as well as food,” concluded Mbonani.
