iThemba – changing what tomorrow looks like

Siyakhula. We’re growing. Together. That was the motto for 2024 of iThemba projects, working in the community of kwaMpumuza near Pietermaritzburg. Sustainability is absolutely key to their approach. They don’t tell the community what to do; they listen and let the community lead. Early childhood development is promoted by mentors who encourage mothers to read to and play with their children. The mothers grow in confidence that they have the power to prepare their children for a better future, bringing hope to these families. Mentors also help preschool teachers to get the best out of the children.

Nutrition mentors help the community with their food gardens. A mother says: ‘In January when parents struggle to pay school fees, my garden helps us all out - I can feed the kids from the garden until we have money again.’ Every week, iThemba’s youth mentors show up at 10 schools: doing assemblies, hanging out with kids, and teaching life skills classes. They create safe spaces for kids to talk about what matters - even hard things like bullying or abuse. A school principal says: ‘You guys fit. You know the kids, and they know and trust you. That’s why it works.’ Followers become leaders! A full-time youth mentor who grew up participating in an iThemba programme says: ‘I want to be a caring mentor to these kids, like the mentors I had, who gave me time and attention when no-one else did that for me.’ There are also youth camps, and ongoing construction of extensions to the community youth centre. iThemba wants to reach 75% or more of the community to reach a tipping point in order to see permanent, whole-community change.

Community, culture & cause: Our annual fundraising braai

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.