Kathorus African Women and Youth League donate clothing to KZN

Kathorus African Women and Youth League (AWYL) is following through with their motto ‘we lift as we raise’ as they donate to KwaZulu-Natal flood-stricken families.

At least six members of Kathorus AWYL convened on May 31, at Moseu Street, Tsholo Section, Katlehong, to properly package the donations into boxes.

Other members of the organisation had to report for work as it was during the week, however, their donations were received.

They donated canned food, cooking oil, clothing, and shoes collected by their members.

The NPO calls on African people to revive the spirit of Ubuntu and support KZN because climate change can affect everyone whether in Gauteng, Eastern Cape or anywhere else. They emphasised that Ubuntu is how Africans prevailed against all odds during former days.

Chairperson of Kathorus AWYL Lindelwa Mbingeleli said their organization is an NPO with the aim to uplift communities.

She said they usually assist schools. Before schools had feeding schemes, especially in secondary schools, they provided learners with bread, she explained.

“Right now we assist learners with sanitary towels at local schools around Kathorus,” she continued.

“When the news about the floods surfaced, we felt obliged to help as per our motto and principles. That is why we are collecting clothes.

“Otherwise, we usually collect it for old age homes and Hospice but now we agreed on prioritizing the people of KZN,” Mbingeleli said.

She said there are drop off points for KZN donations across Gauteng, however, they will transport the donation via the SA Post Office.

“We would like to thank our members because these are people who come with donations from their homes – they forever take the initiative,” she added.

“Everything comes from our members. We are not operating from a support structure of resources, we contribute from our own pockets. Our wish is for these clothes to reach the people they are intended for.”

Deputy chairperson Smangele Bokaba said these donations will be a blessing to the people in need.

“You have to extend your hand to positively touch and help to turn around other people’s lives. For us, this is the way we touch people. I am happy that we were able to do something that will impact change,” said Bokaba.

Kathorus AWYL National Deputy President Joyce Mphuthi said they are going to encourage other branches to donate as well.

She said they have branches in Kathorus, Soweto, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and some parts of KZN. In the end, this should be a national effort, she added.

“The motto of this organisation is ‘lift as you raise’ and part of the lifting is what we are doing in KZN. When they are down and out we come with whatever donation to lift them and their spirits up.

“Because if we do not empathise, and be sympathetic and compassionate to other people when they experience challenges it becomes a problem. Initially, as a black nation we had empathy so we are trying to maintain that for the future generation to adopt and practice,” said Mphuthi.