Heartlines uses media campaigns to spark conversations with the ultimate goal of changing lives for the better.
The organisation, in partnership with Quizzical Pictures produced the film Nothing for Mahala starring Thapelo Mokoena and well-known actress Mmabatho Montsho.
According to Pauquet, Montsho’s character Reneilwe finds enduring contentment in selflessness.
She said by simply changing one’s value system and muting the ‘what’s in it for me’ voice, anyone could be Reneilwe.
For Reneilwe, giving to others is second nature and is the antithesis of fellow character, Axe, a fast-talking property agent who is sentenced to 200 hours community work.
“Axe believes that everything has a price and that ‘there’s nothing for mahala’,” said Pauquet.
“Reneilwe on the other hand upholds solid values in her life and job and believes that helping others is its own reward.”
Pauquet explained how Reneilwe’s outlook on life was a breath of fresh air in what was a materialistic society – where spending frenzies ensue in the name of the ‘have to have it’ and ‘going with the crowd’ sentiments.
“We seem to seek satisfaction through material possessions, forgetting that the gratification we get from things is short-lived,” she said.
“Perhaps the lens should be pointed in a different direction. Rarely do we think about the gratification that giving to others could bring us. We lean more towards wanting and receiving things than the opposite, and miss out on the value of giving.”
Pauquet encourages more young people to extend a helping hand to others without the expectation of receiving anything in return.
“Why? Because it feels good, and is good,” she said.
