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10/12/2025

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10/12/2025

Kwa-Thema Elders Blessed With Festive Groceries Thanks to Community Heroes

By Sbongile Sokela

On 9 December, elderly residents of Kwa-Thema were blessed with Christmas groceries during a heartwarming community event held at Duduza Rank, opposite Boxer. The initiative brought smiles and relief to many grannies who often feel forgotten during the festive season.

Mongezi Xipu from MODTechlifts explained why they came to support the elders. “We are here at Kwa-Thema to support the elderly during this time and to give back and make their festive worth it .So we are just giving back because the elders also deserve Christmas and deserve to enjoy the festive season.”

Prisca, the founder of the elderly support group, spoke emotionally about the long journey she has walked with the seniors. “We come very far with them. We started with helping them get IDs, and now we are giving them Christmas food. I’ve seen it is my calling to give back with the little I have.” She shared that even though she struggled with funds, she continued to ask for sponsors. “It was tough, but by God’s grace I managed. I’d like to thank Sbongile for assisting me with everything.”

She also spoke about challenges along the way. “The place where we reached out for help pulled out. They said they already had other things to do, even though we asked early. But with God, we were able to get things done in the morning.” Prisca made a heartfelt plea to local businesspeople. “I’m pleading with businessmen from Ekurhuleni or Kwa-Thema to help us. The elders support Ekhaya Mall when they get their pension money, and I think it’s time the mall also gives back to them.”

She extended her gratitude to all who helped: Mobitech, the Shoprite manager who contributed from his own pocket, Debonairs Pizza, Plus Butchery, and Dr. Kubheka from Bophelong.

Another organiser, Sbongile Myeka, said they were given a very large number of elders to support, but they pushed through. “Above all, God has been with us. Some stores promised but could not assist. KFC had no problem donating, we just asked late. We admit we were late in some places, but we were still able to give the elders the little we had.”

One of the beneficiaries, elderly resident Zodwa Zondo, shared her gratitude. “I’m so thankful. God has been great to us grannies, allowing us to receive groceries. There are people who thought of us during this festive season. We wish them a great festive. Thanks to Prisca.”

For many of the elders, the moment was more than receiving groceries, it was a reminder that they are still seen, valued, and loved. Some were moved, as they expressed how rare it is for the community to gather just for them. The smiles, laughter, and gentle embraces shared on the day created a sense of family that went far beyond the donations. It was a festive celebration of dignity and humanity.

The event showed the power of community, compassion, and faith. Even with challenges, the organisers worked tirelessly to ensure that Kwa-Thema’s elders did not go into the festive season empty-handed.

10/12/2025

Bacha Ba Dichaba Celebrates a Year of Impact and Growth

By Sbongile Sokela

Bacha Ba Dichaba is closing the year with pride after achieving major milestones, even though the annual Awards Ceremony had to be cancelled. The organisation continued its mission of empowering young people and supporting schools across various communities. This year, the team donated 2 000 cover books, provided school shoes, repaired school libraries, and took learners on life-changing trips to Botswana and public speaking camps.

The schools that benefited from these programmes include Rolihlahla Primary School, Zamukhanyo Primary School and George Mbilase Primary School. The organisation highlighted that these schools fully understand how they benefited because they experienced the improvements firsthand. Their gratitude has been a strong reminder of the importance of Bacha Ba Dichaba’s work.

This year, the organisation also hired 30 young people through the NYS Programme. Their contribution played a major role in ensuring the success of the organisation’s activities. One NYS participant expressed deep appreciation, saying, “This year has been so hard with being unemployed but NYS helped me with the job. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity and to the CEO Thabang Lichaba for creating jobs for young people and giving hope that was lost.” The organisation thanked the group for their hard work, commitment and energy throughout the programme.

A warm message of appreciation was also shared for the CEO, board members, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and every person who played a role this year. Bacha Ba Dichaba extended its gratitude to its partners, including 100% Foundation, Siyakha Youth Foundation, Gauteng Provincial Library Information Services, Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation, Tshiamiso Astronauts, Ekurhuleni News, SAAYC and others who supported the organisation’s work. Thabang expressed pride in the organisation’s achievements, saying, “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, and we’re excited about our work.” Another team member added, “This year showed us what teamwork can do for learners and young people in our communities.”

Looking ahead, Bacha Ba Dichaba is preparing for an even stronger 2026. The organisation plans to obtain official accreditation, host a Back to School Indigenous Languages Spelling Bee Competition, organise the QwaQwa Spelling Bee Competition, and launch its first organisation magazine. The team is confident that the new year will bring even bigger opportunities and deeper impact in the communities they serve.

"Happy festive season to all!" said the CEO. Contact details 063 468 0872/ 061 635 2833/ 081 358 3158 [email protected]

10/12/2025

Majutene Food Town Hyper Shuts Pensioners' Year in Style on SASSA Grant Day

As the sun rose on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, a familiar buzz of anticipation filled the air in Majutene. For the town’s elderly residents, the first Tuesday of the month is more than a calendar date—it’s SASSA Older Persons Grant payment day, a lifeline for millions. This December, however, the routine trip to collect and spend was transformed into a community celebration, courtesy of the Majutene Food Town Hyper.

A Well-Timed Festive Gesture The store’s management, acutely aware that the December grant for older persons was deposited on Tuesday, December 2, planned a day dedicated to their pensioner customers. The aim was clear: to help them shut the year in style, stretching their crucial government assistance as far as possible during the expensive festive season.

Inside the store, special festive promotions were tagged with bright signs reading “SASSA SAVINGS.” The discounts applied to a carefully selected range of essentials and treats, from staples like mealie meal and cooking oil to small luxuries like biscuits, tea, and tinned fruit.

“This grant is my salary,” said 72-year-old Grace Modise, carefully placing items in her trolley. “When the store adds its own discount on top, it means I can buy a tin of syrup or a nice soap for my grandchildren. It’s a small thing, but today it feels like a party.”

More Than Just a Sale
For the management of Food Town Hyper, the event was a core part of their business model.

Retailers across South Africa have become key touchpoints on grant payment days, often issuing reminders and welcoming beneficiaries. The Majutene store took it a step further by creating a dedicated, respectful, and festive shopping experience.

“We see the same faces every month. We know their names, and we know what this day means to their household budgets,” explained store manager David van der Merwe. “December is about giving. For us, giving means making their rand stretch further and sending them home with a smile and a heavier bag.”

The event successfully blended commerce with community care. As pensioners left the store, their trolleys were fuller, and the mood was palpably lighter.

The Majutene Food Town Hyper had provided more than discounts; it had provided a moment of dignity, celebration, and practical support, ensuring the community’s elders could indeed close a challenging year with a touch of style.

10/12/2025

More than 190,000 driving licences have been cancelled after investigators uncovered a web of fraud, fake conversions, bribery and ghost drivers hiding unpaid fines.

10/12/2025

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is one of the few countries that gives citizens free houses, assets now worth over R300 000 and that this, along with social grants, free basic services, healthcare and no-fee schooling, has lifted millions out of absolute poverty over 30 years.

10/12/2025

DEVELOPING: Calls are growing for law enforcement to step in after Floyd Shivambu, leader of the new Afrika Mayibuye Movement, openly spoke about being in political meetings where plans to steal government money were on the agenda.

10/12/2025

Flora Stokvel Members Devastated After Inside Job Leads to R108 000 Robbery

The Last Battalion Anti-Crime Unit launched an investigation and began interrogating possible suspects.
However, the investigation took a dramatic turn when two stokvel members, one of whom had been carrying the money at the time of the robbery confessed. During interrogation by the Last Battalion, the pair admitted to hiring three armed men to stage the robbery.

Members of the stokvel say they are heartbroken and betrayed by the discovery that the robbery was an inside job. They expressed disappointment and anger as the two alleged conspirators were taken into custody.

10/12/2025

10/12/2025