Byline: Captain SA
Winnie Mabaso Foundation Marks Two Decades of Transforming Lives in South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa, May 2024 – The Winnie Mabaso Foundation (WMF) celebrated its 20th anniversary on May 25, 2024, commemorating two decades of unwavering dedication to empowering orphans, vulnerable children, and their community in Ennerdale, Meriting, and Finetown, south of Johannesburg. The festive day was marked by joyous dancing and heartfelt testimonies from children and elderly beneficiaries of the Foundation’s transformative programs.
The Winnie Mabaso Foundation, a non-profit organization, was founded by British filmmaker Lisa Ashton in honor of Mama Winnie Mabaso, who was dedicated to supporting orphans and vulnerable children in the Finetown community.
“Mam’ Winnie’s love, charity, and legacy have been the driving force behind the Winnie Mabaso Foundation’s growth and success,” said Charity Pitso, a long-serving staff member. “Her memories continue to inspire us to do more and reach further in our mission to transform the lives of the children and the community,” she added.
#MabasoLove
Charity shared that the organization has not only benefited the community but has also enabled the young people on staff to grow, pursue their life purposes, and explore their talents. “Looking at where I am today compared to the young lady who started working here years ago, I am personally proud of myself,” she said. Charity, who started as a kitchen assistant, is now the Supervisor of the Winnie Mabaso Foundation’s Preschool. The Foundation sponsored her education, allowing her to qualify as a teacher in 2021, and she continues to study for an advanced qualification.
#20YearsOfMabasoLove
The preschool is one of many programs and services provided free of charge to residents of the Meriting community, an informal settlement in Finetown. Known as the Mabaso Tiny Tots, the school currently has 30 children aged two to five years. They performed at the event, showcasing their talent in reciting poems. “I am grateful to the preschool because, without this program, I could not afford to send my child to crèche on our monthly income,” said Mamokgele Louw, a parent. “My little one has learned many skills, including giving thanks before supper, reciting poems, and recognizing colors.”
The day’s activities also featured a choir performance by the Winnie Mabaso Grannies Club and Mama Nabantwana, celebrating the occasion. The Grannies Club encourages pensioners to lead healthy lifestyles, stay engaged in daily activities, and provides support for their challenges. Mama Nabantwana is a support group for young mothers and their children.
Youth programs, including Ilamula Home for Girls and the S’bonelo Boys program, entertained the attendees with fun dance routines showcasing popular South African dance moves. “Ilamula is a Children and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) for abused, abandoned, neglected, and orphaned girls aged 2-18,” explained a representative. “The center is fully registered with the Department of Social Development in Gauteng but receives no government funding, relying entirely on donations. Ilamula is a place of safety, love, and hope.”
The recently launched S’bonelo initiative empowers and mentors boys, focusing on combating gender-based violence by nurturing “Men of the Future” from a young age.
The Sew Amazing sewing program concluded the celebration with a fashion show. Led by fashion designer Varity Oliphant, the program trains unemployed women in the community, equipping them with sewing skills to start their own enterprises.
#EmpoweringCommunities
The 20th-anniversary celebration was attended by representatives from the Foundation’s board members and partners, including Shoprite ACT, Edelman Africa, and the University of Johannesburg. “Seeing the children dance with joy and hearing their stories of transformation is a testament to the incredible work of the Winnie Mabaso Foundation,” said Lemohang Modise, a Foundation staff member. “Winnie would be so proud of how far the Foundation has come and the lives it continues to change.”
As the Winnie Mabaso Foundation looks ahead to the next 20 years, it remains committed to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for orphans and vulnerable children. Through its various programs, including education, healthcare, and skills development, the Foundation continues to empower children and their communities to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future.
For more information about the Winnie Mabaso Foundation and how to get involved, please visit www.winniemabaso.org.
About the Winnie Mabaso Foundation:
The Winnie Mabaso Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering orphans, vulnerable children, and their communities in Finetown, south of Johannesburg, South Africa. Founded in 2004, the Foundation provides a safe haven, education, healthcare, and skills development programs to help children break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their communities. It was founded by Lisa Ashton, a British filmmaker inspired by Winnie’s compassion and determination.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Angela Parmisser
Angela.Parmisser@Edelman.com
082 759 5760
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