Sonia Mbele (Actress & Businesswoman, previously with Generations), Sydney Ramakuela (Mulalo) from Muvhango, & Themba ‘SkeemGP’ Lukhele Nzimande (Businessman and TV Host). There will also be performances and international stars including Master KG, Jelly Babie, and AirBurn Sounds will be lending a helping hand.
As winter approaches, many families struggle to make ends meet. The NJM Foundation has partnered with Mzansi celebrities to prepare those in need for the cold winter ahead, by donating blankets, food parcels, and winter uniforms to learners in Sebokeng.
Q&A WITH SONIA MBELE
Why did you decide to be part of this initiative?
I’ve always supported initiatives like this one, so it was a complete no-brainer…I was raised in a family of community leaders so giving back is in my DNA. This is close to my heart.
What is the importance of giving back?
We are not a set of fingers on a hand which means we’re not all blessed or cannot prosper the same. I always say to my friends especially those who are blessed with wealth… “Learn to give back because you’re blessed for a reason and those who are blessed need to be a blessing to others”!
What more do you think is needed in developing our communities?The little that one can do in their corners to help goes a long way. Helping is not only in the form of money donations but giving one time to help improve where they are contributing to the bigger picture. As a country, we still have a long way to go, in improving our schools, public hospitals, and mostly our mentalities towards planning for the future.
What is the one thing you wish you learned earlier about giving
I was raised to give and over the years, I’ve collaborated with plenty of NGOs/NPOs I just wish I started my own earlier. There is a sense of reward in giving back. Sharing the little one allows room for abundance.
What are your plans for this year?
Work smart not as hard as I did in the past years. New productions, and not over plan.
And what have been your highlights thus far?
My work always speaks for itself so if you haven’t seen or heard anything from me is because you’re looking in the wrong places or my presence hasn’t touched you yet, but it will soon enough.
Q&A WITH SKEEM GP
Why did you decide to be part of this initiative?
Giving is mandatory. We grow through partnerships. This is a partnership that is on empowering young people and our communities which is aligned with my goals. I believe in “There are blessings in giving.” I have been in prison for eight years and there is always that element of wanting to do good and do well. There is a need to help and mend societies that one has done wrong. So, it’s an obligation for me to live an honest life.
What more do you think is needed in developing our communities?
We need collaborative efforts. Someone once said, If you go alone – you can go fast, but If we go together, we can go very far. These joint initiatives go a long way. Our government alone cannot achieve it. Strong good leadership is needed, and leaders are not only in government but live among us, I myself am a leader in my own right.
What are your plans for this year?
My plans are very simple. I have gone to 23 prisons to date, South Africa has 43, I plan to visit all, giving talks, and changing lives. In 2019, DJ Sbu and I did 1100 schools, and I am hoping to reach more. Doing donations, talks, and motivation. This week alone, I will be visiting 13 high schools. I will be working with Dr Mgobhozi and they have given me schools in the East Rand.
And what have been your highlights thus far?
Being the guy on the frontline on the Moja LOVE show Most Wanted – a very complicated subject of solving crimes. But we are just grabbing the bull by its horns, and we are just creating safe spaces and safe environments. It’s a bitter/sweet show. Sometimes I want to give up because of the risk, but it’s been the highlight of this year for me so far. My foundation is also thriving; hence we are able to collaborate with others like the NJM Foundation. We’re making an immense impact with drugs, gangsterism, bullying, early teenage pregnancy, and prison ministries – just to name a few. We are maximizing on all of them.
About NJM Foundation
NJM is a Non-Profit Organization with the vision of bringing transformation to rural communities and schools in Southern Africa through the implementation of sustainable initiatives that will bring hope and enduring change to our people. Education, Unemployment, and poverty are the primary focus areas of the foundation’s initiatives to empower individuals, families, and communities.
NJM Foundation in partnership with Mjayeli Security Services will be handing over donations of food parcels, blankets, and sports equipment to the community of Sebokeng and the surrounding areas. The foundation will also hand over School Uniforms to schools in Sedibeng West Circuit and uniforms to the Sebokeng Community Policing Forum (CPF).