UNISA final year social worker student Lee-Ann Stapelberg joined forces with Guild Cottage to clean up Zoo Lake on Mandela Day on July 18.
Stapelberg is passionate about helping those in need and is driven by a desire to make a real difference in her community, especially for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Her journey with Guild Cottage began through her social work supervisor, Tasneem Bhula, who has been guiding her from day one. Her mentorship and support have been invaluable in shaping her path and helping her grow personally and professionally.
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“I work with Guild Cottage because their mission aligns perfectly with my values and goals as a social worker. Their dedication to helping young girls overcome their trauma and build brighter futures is something I deeply admire. By partnering with Guild Cottage, I can contribute to creating a supportive and healing environment for these children.”
Stapelberg explained that she organised the clean-up day as part of Mandela Day to encourage the public to dedicate 67 minutes to community service in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
“I wanted to create an event that not only helped clean up our environment but also raised awareness about child abuse.”
The social worker student said she chose Zoo Lake to clean up because it was an attractive site, known for its beauty and recreational spaces.
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“It’s a place where families and friends gather to enjoy nature, and girls from Guild Cottage frequently visit Zoo Lake for afternoon walks, finding peace and solace in the natural surroundings.”
The 24 volunteers collected a significant amount of litter, making Zoo Lake cleaner and more enjoyable, and handed out child abuse awareness ribbons, sparking important conversations about this issue.
She explained that the sense of accomplishment and unity felt was incredible. “It was a reminder of the power of community and the positive impact we can have when we come together. For those who feel moved by our mission, Guild Cottage always welcomes support from the community.”
Guild Cottage is a non-profit organisation that has been providing a haven for girls who have experienced severe abuse or neglect.
The home was established in 1907 and has a rich history of offering hope and healing to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
Their comprehensive approach includes therapeutic interventions, educational support, and life skills training, all designed to help these young survivors rebuild their lives and regain their sense of self-worth
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