What a day we had! On the 22nd of June 2025, Thembisa’s trustees, supporters and friends gathered in our co-founder Tonia Cope Bowley’s beautiful garden in the village of Tiddington, Oxfordshire for our annual fundraising braai (or BBQ to those unfamiliar with South African slang).

The atmosphere was warm and lively. Children and dogs kept everyone entertained (and occasionally on their toes), while conversations flowed and connections—both old and new—were nurtured. After a particularly hot few days, we didn’t even mind the few drops of rain!

Frank and Bev took charge of the braai, serving up delicious boerewors and hamburgers that quickly disappeared from plates. Alongside the food, we held a silent auction with some lovely prizes, and opened our small pop-up shop, also available online, filled with cards and gifts from home.

We also took a moment to reflect. Tonia and Frank shared a few words about how far the Trust has come over the last 37 years, and Ben, one of our new Trustees, spoke about why his family chose to get involved—to do something tangible, and to show their children that they can make a difference if they choose to.

All funds raised will go towards the salary of MNCP’s social worker, Msizi, who plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening families in the Jika Joe, Ezinketheni, and Northdale communities who are dealing with very difficult situations.

How to get involved

If you couldn’t make it to the braai but would still like to support the work of the Thembisa Trust, there are plenty of ways to get involved—big and small.

• Make a donation: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us support grassroots projects like Mama Ntombi’s Community Projects. You can donate directly through our website.
• Shop with purpose: Our little online store is always open, filled with handmade cards, gifts, and treats that remind us of home. Every purchase supports our fundraising efforts. Visit our online shop.
• Spread the word: Share our story with friends and family. The more people who know about the work we support, the more impact we can have.
• Join us next time: Whether it’s another braai, a walk, or a craft sale, we’d love to see you at a future event.

Supporting the Thembisa Trust isn’t just about giving—it’s about being part of a community that believes in dignity, opportunity, and hope. And there’s always room for one more.

Every year, we like to get together in a beautiful English garden to relax, enjoy a proper South-African braai, have a bit of fun, and raise some funds for the charities we support in Southern Africa.

We warmly invite our supporters and friends to consider joining us!

Where: Ferndale, Albury View, Tiddington, OX9 2LQ
When: 22 June 2025, from 4 – 7pm (with food served at around 5pm)

RSVP: If you can join us, please let us know by Monday 16 June so that we can cater for you. Email us at contact@thethembisatrust.org or call us on 07941238605

Can’t make it but want to support?
We’d love to see you in person, but if you can’t make it please consider donating via the Charities Aid Foundation secure payment portal. All proceeds will go Mama Ntombi’s Community Projects, which you can learn more about here.

Sunday, 09 June 2024, 15:00–19:00 Please book by Sunday 02 June 2024
Adults £17; Children 12 and under £7; Family of 4 £37
To book email: contact@thembisatrust.org Pay through our CAF campaign page QR code

or Fundraising for MNCP

Over the years volunteers have faithfully visited Sweetwaters, an impoverished area near Pietermaritzburg. They have provided food parcels and other necessities such as warm clothing, primarily to grannies who look after orphaned children. Self-help through vegetable growing or sewing projects is encouraged where possible. This project now falls formally under African Enterprise. A visit on Madiba Day (18 July) 2023 included a distribution of food parcels as well as a church service and was much appreciated.

Eluxolweni (meaning ‘a place of safety and forgiveness’) in Grahamstown provides a home for neglected and vulnerable boys from all parts of the Eastern Cape. Currently, 20 boys aged 6–18 years of age are being cared for. The approach is holistic and the boys participate in a range of activities, with the help of many volunteers. Education is a corner stone of the Shelter’s work and school attendance is compulsory. One of Eluxolweni’s boys was recently appointed head boy at Fikizolo Primary School! Thembisa has recently provided a grant to Eluxolweni to replace the old worn and damaged flooring in the boys’ rooms.

We have our own online shop selling South African crafts and unique cards.

Take a look here.

Thank you so much to all who attended or gave donations towards our fund-raising barbecue on 21 May 2023. The weather was kind, the food was excellent, and information on MNCP was provided by a display and a very informative video. Together with donations we raised more than £2500, which has been sent to MNCP.

Please join us at our BRAAI (BBQ) on Sunday 21 May 2023
Proceeds to Mama Ntombi's Community Projects
Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Cost: Adults £17; Children 12 and under £7; Family of 4 £37
Includes food, drink and one ticket for a prize draw open only to attendees on the day.
Where: Ferndale, Aldbury View, Tiddington, OX9 2LQ

Please book and pay by Sunday 14 May
Email: contact@thembisatrust.org or
Phone: 07814 804804

Please supply your contact details, number of attendees and special dietary needs.
If your plans change please let us know!

Save the date for our 2023 garden party / braai!

During the pandemic it was not possible to hold a garden party/barbecue at Ferndale. But we are planning to celebrate once again on 21 May 2023 for Thembisa’s 35th birthday. Details will be sent nearer the time but meanwhile, add the date to your diary!

A laptop for MNCP from Computers4Charity

Computers4Charity (motto: Caring for Climate and Community) expertly wipe and refurbish donated laptops, then give them to worthwhile causes. We were very grateful to receive a laptop from Computers4Charity earlier this year. It was delivered to MNCP, where social worker Solomon will be the first to benefit from using it. In time, MNCP’s dream is to help many children achieve computer literacy. You can watch a video of Grace Townshend speaking to Computers4Charity about MNCP at https://www.computers4charity.org/computer-donations/the-thembisa-trust.

The Thembisa Trust gives thanks for the life of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and are especially grateful for his support as our Patron since 1999. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Leah, his family and all who were close to him.

‘The Arch', an outspoken prophet of God's love and compassion for every person, was present throughout South Africa’s recent history, courageously opposing apartheid while insisting that the struggle should be non-violent. For this he was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1984. He went on to Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 1996-98. Never afraid to speak up for what is right, more recently he challenged corruption in the ruling classes in South Africa. He was truly one of the great moral voices of our time. And yet he was also characterised by a great sense of humour, laughter and joyfulness. 

Archbishop Tutu was born in 1931 in Klerksdorp. His father was a primary school head, his mother a domestic worker. He grew up in poor townships, suffering polio and TB. He wanted to be a doctor but, lacking the fees, became a teacher and married Leah, a fellow teacher. Almost immediately, 'Bantu education' was introduced and they both resigned. Desmond then entered theological college. Taught by the Anglican monks of the Community of the Resurrection, he became a 'contemplative in action'. Ordained priest in 1961, he went on to King's College, London for a BA and Master's, taught in South Africa, worked in London for the World Council of Churches, became Dean of Johannesburg in 1975, Bishop of Lesotho 1976-78, Secretary General of the SA Council of Churches 1978-85, Bishop of Johannesburg 1985-86, and Archbishop pf Cape Town 1986-95.