Masoyi SAPS employee aims to help disadvantaged people in her community
Zanele Mhlanga encourages community members to practice giving back to less-fortunate individuals.
“Giving back should not only be practised on Mandela Day, but should be done continuously so that there is a visible difference.” So said one of Masoyi Police Station’s general employees, Zanele Mhlanga. She has devoted her life to giving back to her community in Mshadza with the little she has.
“I do not have much, but that has not stopped me from doing what I love, which is to give. I grew up very poor and I lived from the things that people gave me. Those things helped me get through tough times, and that is why I have made it a norm to give,” Mhlanga said.
For this year’s Mandela Day, she donated 17 traditional skirts to little girls at Siyafundza Primary School, Swalala. “I usually buy 50 or more skirts to give to little girls just before Heritage Day in September. I decided to donate traditional skirts, because most schools in our area celebrate the holiday by allowing the children to wear their traditional attire. I have noticed that some children cannot participate, because their parents cannot afford to buy such for their children,” she said.
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Mhlanga also collects school uniforms and shoes to donate to underprivileged learners of various schools in Masoyi. “The school uniform drive is for throughout the year. When I have collected enough school uniforms, I contact the schools to identify disadvantaged children that I can give them to,” she said.
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She said she imparts the spirit of giving whenever and however. “I encourage the community to give by taking care of elderly people or buying that one pair of shoes for an underprivileged child. The spirit of giving should be kept alive throughout the year,” Mhlanga said.
