By Captain SA | Reporting for SA Rainbow News
Images by VisionLens 📸

TEMBISA — A powerful community-driven clean-up and restoration project brought hope, dignity and a renewed sense of family to 94 Sethokga Section, Tembisa 1632, on Thursday, 20 August 2026, after MEMEZA and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) joined forces to assist a vulnerable resident whose home had fallen into a severe state of neglect.

#Tembisa #CommunityDevelopment #SA RainbowNews

The project was led by Angel Lunga Maswanganyi T11 (MEMEZA) and Bongani Chilenge T7 (CPF), with the support of MEMEZA members, patrollers, neighbours and community stakeholders. The local councillor also attended the project before the day’s activities got underway, showing support for the initiative and the community members involved.

#MEMEZA #CPF #CommunityPolicing #CommunitySupport

The team embarked on an extensive clean-up and restoration programme at the home of Mr Linda France Mofokeng, who is wheelchair-bound after spending approximately six months in hospital battling a serious health condition that resulted in both of his legs being amputated.

#RestoringDignity #CommunityCare #Ubuntu

Following his lengthy hospitalisation, Mr Mofokeng returned home to discover that his house had allegedly been vandalised by his sons, who are described by the family as struggling with substance abuse. The home had reportedly been stripped of essential items, including electricity cables, the main electrical switch, water taps and furniture.

The property had also deteriorated into an area where rubbish was dumped and was reportedly being used as a passage by people travelling from a nearby hostel. The circumstances became so difficult that some family members were reportedly afraid to visit the home because of concerns surrounding the behaviour of the children.

#CommunitySafety #SubstanceAbuseAwareness #TembisaCommunity

It was during their patrols that members of the team became aware of Mr Mofokeng’s situation. Rather than simply passing by, the patrollers engaged with the matter, gathered information and decided to take action.

The project leaders began planning the restoration and approached various individuals, businesses and organisations for assistance and donations to help Mr Mofokeng regain a safe and dignified living environment.

#PatrollersMakingADifference #ChangingLives #UbuntuInAction

On the day of the project, volunteers worked tirelessly to transform the property. The activities included cleaning the inside of the house and the outside yard, washing dishes, clothes and blankets, painting the interior, plastering damaged sections of the walls, removing rubble and cutting down trees.

The team also worked to improve the overall condition of the property and make the home a safer and more welcoming place for its resident.

#CleanUpCampaign #CommunityVolunteers #Tembisa

After the clean-up and restoration activities, the team handed over donations to Mr Mofokeng. Family members were also invited to attend the programme, creating an opportunity for relatives to reunite and stand together in support of their loved one.

Among those present were Jeanne Maria Mofokeng, Shila Shabalala and Vusi Hendry Shabalala, who expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the project.

#FamilyReunion #SupportForTheVulnerable #CommunityLove

The atmosphere at the home changed dramatically as the work came to an end. What had previously been a neglected and unsafe environment was once again transformed into a home that brought a smile to Mr Mofokeng and his family.

Mr Mofokeng expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project, saying the support had not only helped restore his home but had also brought his family closer together.

#Hope #Dignity #Family #TogetherWeCan

Family members also thanked the team for the love and care they received, describing the initiative as an example of how community patrolling can go beyond crime prevention and become a force for changing people’s lives.

They appealed to the organisers and other community members not to stop with Mr Mofokeng’s home, but to continue identifying and assisting other vulnerable residents who are in need.

#FromPatrollingToChangingLives #CommunityUpliftment #NeverStopHelping

The project leaders acknowledged the important contributions made by several partners and individuals, including Life 4 You, Moss Culture Tavern, IBC Oakmoor, Thabethe Fruit and Vegetable, Nkabinde Paint Company and Teacher Shili.

Their contributions played an important role in making the restoration project possible and ensuring that the team could provide practical assistance to Mr Mofokeng.

#PartnershipsForChange #LocalBusinesses #CommunityPartners

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), represented by Constable Lucky, also attended the project to offer support.

Constable Lucky further volunteered to assist with the electrical wiring of the house once the necessary electrical equipment has been secured. The property currently has no electricity after electrical cables and the main switch were reportedly stolen.

#EMPD #CommunitySafety #ServiceToTheCommunity

Despite the success of the project, the organisers said more assistance is still needed. The damage to the property remains extensive, and the team is appealing for additional financial and non-financial donations to help restore the home as close as possible to its original condition.

#DonationsNeeded #CommunitySupport #HelpWhereYouCan

Mr Mofokeng and his family also extended their appreciation to the neighbours who contributed their time and effort to the project.

The success of the initiative demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when community members, patrollers, law-enforcement representatives, businesses and ordinary residents work together to support someone in need.

#NeighboursHelpingNeighbours #TembisaRising #CommunityStrength

The MEMEZA and CPF initiative serves as a reminder that community safety is not only about responding to crime. It is also about identifying vulnerable people, restoring dignity, strengthening families and creating communities where no one is left behind.

SA Rainbow News salutes every individual, organisation and business that contributed to restoring Mr Mofokeng’s home and bringing hope back to his family.

Anyone interested in supporting Mr Mofokeng or contributing towards the continued restoration of the property is encouraged to contact the project organisers for further information +27 63 983 1049
+27 79 217 2687

Story by Captain SA | SA Rainbow News
Images by VisionLens 📸

#SARainbowNews #CaptainSA #Tembisa #MEMEZA #CPF #CommunitySafety #Ubuntu #RestoringDignity #ChangingLives #CommunityDevelopment #HelpTheVulnerable #SouthAfrica #TogetherWeCan #PeopleHelpingPeople