Lesedi la Batho Social Relief Fund, South Africa

1. Overview of Support Provided

Lesedi la Batho continues to play a vital role in improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families in our community. Through collaboration with partners and strategic outreach, we provided critical resources, food, clothing, psychosocial support, and case management to our beneficiaries. 

2. Purpose of Our Donations and Interventions

The donations and support provided by Lesedi la Batho are designed to:

• Offer essential resources to vulnerable and at-risk members of our community.
• Promote dignity, self-sufficiency, and empowerment through holistic care.
• Address urgent community challenges, including poverty, youth development, gender-based violence (GBV), and healthcare access.
• Foster a greater sense of community, empathy, and collective responsibility.
• Enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of our beneficiaries.

3. Donations Received and Distributed

3.1 Vodacom Partnership:

Lesedi la Batho partnered with Vodacom to respond to families affected by severe floods in Mabopane and Winterveldt. After conducting joint research and assessments, we identified the most vulnerable families. Vodacom generously donated 347 food hampers, which were distributed through coordinated efforts and outreach.

3.2 Social Relief Initiative:

As part of our internal Social Relief efforts, we procured and distributed 38 food parcels to beneficiaries in the:

• Young Mothers Support Group
• Man2Man Support Group
• GBV Survivors
• GBV Leaders
• Community members

These parcels served as both a practical intervention and a gesture of solidarity during times of need.

3.3 Methodist Church Contributions:

Ongoing support from the Methodist Church resulted in the donation of:

• Clothing, distributed to individuals in need and members in our support groups
• 8 beanies (baby comforters) for Young Mothers
• 15 beanies and 12 jerseys for a GBV support group leader who has established her own day care centre to distribute to her learners — a powerful example of empowerment through support.

4. Case Spotlights

4.1 Tebogo’s Journey to Tertiary Success:

Tebogo first engaged with Lesedi la Batho during her skills training in 2023. After her mother’s passing, she lived with her grandmother. Following graduation, she sought assistance to apply to university. With our support, she was successfully enrolled at TUT and approved for NSFAS funding for 2025. However, early in her studies, she struggled to access basic needs. Lesedi la Batho provided essential food and toiletries until NSFAS disbursements commenced.

4.2 Reitumetse’s Search for Shelter:

Reitumetse, a young mother and orphan, lost her family home to a fire in 2019. Despite initial support, the process of securing housing stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic. She and her son currently reside with a neighbour. Our team referred her case to the City of Tshwane: Fire and Disaster Department for further intervention due to jurisdictional limitations with government housing areas. We continue to advocate for her wellbeing and safe housing.

5. Conclusion

Lesedi la Batho’s continued mission is to provide holistic and dignified support to those who need it most. The success of our food distribution, material donations, support groups, and social work cases underscores the power of collaboration, generosity, and community engagement.

We remain deeply grateful to Vodacom, the Methodist Church, The Alm Family and all other supporters who enable us to serve and uplift the lives of many.

Together, we are making a lasting difference.