Thobile Maphalala, a 20-year-old young woman, is a remarkable example of resilience and selflessness. As the eldest of five siblings, she has always been the pillar of strength for her family. Living with her mother and younger siblings, Thobile ensures they have everything they need to succeed.

Her siblings, Mbali (18), Sifiso (15), Sanele (13), and Njabulo (7), all attend school in the Lehae community. The family’s journey has been difficult, moving from KwaZulu-Natal to Soweto before settling in Lehae in 2007, after being allocated an RDP house by the government. They relied on child support grants and social relief until Thobile found work as a waitress at Wimpy.

Thobile and her siblings have been part of our Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and Young Life programs. Through these programs, Thobile gained the confidence to believe in herself. We helped her apply for NSFAS funding to further her education, but despite receiving funding, she couldn’t secure a spot at a higher education institution. Undeterred, Thobile chose to take a gap year while continuing her job at Wimpy, supporting her family.

Thanks to our support, Thobile can now provide food, school supplies, and stationery for her siblings. She has transformed from a shy young woman into a confident leader. The Maphalala family also benefits from daily cooked meals, educational support, and essential items like dignity packs and school uniforms.

Thobile’s determination has lightened her family’s burden, and we are proud to continue supporting her and her siblings. Her story is a powerful reminder that with community support and perseverance, any challenge can be overcome.