Miss Tembisa Foundation runs a dignity drive

Miss Tembisa and Miss Tembisa Teen titleholders, Shertina Malope and Rally Moradu, and fellow finalists participated in a donation drive to benefit Bula Mahlo Orphanage.

Between May and July, the drive challenged each Miss Tembisa and Miss Tembisa Teen participant to collect as many sanitary products as possible to contribute to the project.

The challenge was one criterion for determining a winner for the Miss Tembisa title.

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The participants collected over 1 100 sanitary products, which were donated to the orphanage to supplement residents’ hygiene and well-being.

The donated essentials will help to ease the financial burden of running the orphanage.

“Our toiletry drive demonstrates that when we come together, we can make a difference.

“It reminds us everyone’s help counts and that giving is restorative because donating toiletries helps restore the dignity of others, one essential item at a time.

“Every donation, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

“Beyond the act of giving, these drives play an important role in restoring dignity through sanitation,” said Thandiwe, a Miss Tembisa Foundation intern.

When speaking to The Thembisan, Mohau Hlatswayo from Miss Tembisa said it was a great experience to work with her team in giving back to the community.

“We always do drives and the one worry we usually have is if we will donate enough or if things would not go as planned.

“Coordinating such drives can be a lot of work, but very fulfilling.

“Once you know you can assist, you should contact the homes to find out what items are on their wish list so that you donate items they really need.

“Sometimes, we donate what they already have in abundance when there are items they urgently need.

“Due diligence is important. We take planning seriously to ensure our preparation does not go to waste.”

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“I think I always had a heart that wants to help people. Where I see a gap I can fill, I will do it gladly.

“I also went to a leadership academy, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy and am a pageant girl, a former Miss Tembisa.

“This has contributed to how I see life and the role I can play in making a difference in my community, no matter how young I am.

“It helped me become an active citizen of the Thembisa community,” said Hlatswayo.

She added the Miss Tembisa Foundation focuses on several aspects.

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“The Miss Tembisa Foundation mentors every contestant that enters our pageant. We focus on our mentorship sessions for the next few weeks to ensure they are better versions of themselves by the end of the year.

“We encourage them to do community work, and to focus on community work close to their hearts as individuals.

“We are also working on our sashing event, where we will hand them their sashes.

“We have a boot camp coming up at the end of August, and we are preparing for the grand finale in December.
“Our Miss Tembisa Palesa Mailula is also assisting with university applications,” said Hlatswayo.