A SOMERSET Park resident is sewing together a plan to help those less fortunate during the nationwide lockdown.
Dora Nkwanyana, who runs the NPO, Qalakahle Women’s Club, has used her skills to sew masks which are then sold to support vulnerable communities in rural areas.
In the past, Nkwanyana has taught other women to sew to upskill them and through the women’s club, she also has sewn underwear for young girls in the community.
“When the nationwide lockdown was implemented I knew those in poverty would suffer the most. When the minister of health advised people to wear masks in public I decided to start sewing as many as I could. For those who couldn’t afford them, I donated several and then to raise funds for families in areas like Empangeni and Zululand. So far I’ve sewn more than 100 masks and I’ve been pleased with the outcome.
In other news: Residents support Domino Foundation’s efforts
“I feel if you can help during this pandemic you should try and give back. At the moment I’m appealing to the community who have any material they can donate to the cause which I can then use for the masks. The masks are between R20 and R30 and all the funds raised are then used to buy non-perishable foods or hampers for those in rural areas. Prior to the lockdown I was able to travel to the areas to give back but now I have members of the community who have travel permits and are able to take the items to those in need,” she said.
When asked what motivated her to start the NPO and her latest project, Nkwanyana said, “I grew up in rural Zululand. I am aware of the hardships faced by people who live in those communities. I enjoy helping people – even if I can only make a small positive change.”
If you would like to support her endeavour, contact 082 496 3357.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.