Mpofu/Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve and its reserve forum displayed a heartwarming act of kindness in celebration of Mandela Day. A child-headed household in Buxton, a village neighbouring the Mpofu/Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve, was identified for assistance. The family of five is living in severe poverty, with no steady source of income, depending heavily on neighbours for food and other essentials.
The reserve and its community forum joined forces to uplift the family’s living conditions. The mud walls of their home were repaired and painted, and the reserve’s maintenance team completed electrical work. On 18 July, the reserve hosted a gift handover ceremony at the family’s home. The family received groceries, clothing, school uniforms, and an electricity voucher. These gifts were made possible by the generous donations of the reserve staff and a contribution from the Royal House of Chief Maqoma.
The event was a resounding success, and it inspired the reserve’s community forum, alongside the ward councillor, to pledge further support. They committed to working with the Department of Home Affairs to help the family secure birth certificates and identity documents. This step will enable them to apply for social grants, providing much-needed financial relief and sustainably improving their lives.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “There can be no greater gift than giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return
