top of page
Afternoon Angels,
Gugulethu Township,
South Africa
Gary's Fund has decided to join with our South African partner, Ikamva Labantu, in supporting an exceptional after-school program caring for children in the crime-ridden township of Gugulethu in the Western Cape. Called "Afternoon Angels" the program is comprised of a group of 28 "clubs" with a total enrollment of 1,400 most primary school aged children.
These clubs are being run from the homes of concerned Mamas living in this extremely treacherous community where children as young as 6 years old wander the dangerous streets completely unsupervised after school and into the evening.
​
It is hard for us to imagine the conditions under which these children live. "Child-headed" households are common and unemployment and poverty are rampant. Children are targets for sexual abuse and violence plus pressure to participate in gang activity usually with nothing to eat. Many adults are unemployed or travel long distances to work. Parents and other adults experience high rates of alcoholism and substance abuse. The children and those caring for them need help.​​​​​​​​​​​
Zima Songayi, shown here distributing food to the young children in her care, began working with her friend, Thobeka Mapapu as foster mothers. They opened their home to support and care for children looking for an alternative home. Later they expanded their support to include supervising children when their parents were not at home ensuring that they would not be alone and unsupervised.
Sadly, Thobeka has become ill and Zima stepped up to continue the work on her own. Currently she is responsible for 58 children who she ensures are stimulated and receive a hot meal while under her care. She has her charges focus on street soccer at which they have excelled, wining the local tournament.
We are honored to support these incredibly generous and resourceful women who are giving so much of themselves to protect the children in their community. Not only are they sharing their own limited resources but they are also helping them develop a sense of achievement and pride while keeping them safe.
Gary's Fund is providing funding for a meal/snack for the 150 children participating in 3 of the Afternoon Angel clubs.*
Vivienne Mbasa (shown preparing a generous meal for her 44 children, began as a foster mama then started caring for children after school. Concerned about the dangers they faced outside, she opened her home as a sanctuary and would share the little food she had with them while they waited for their parents. We are glad to help her and her charges.
​
Lindelwa Rasmeni, pictured here stirring a large pot of food for the 48 children under her care is another Mama we will be supporting with food. She wanted to see the children physically active and distracted from idleness and the crime beyond their doors and began by doing so through dance. Today "her children" participate in chess, soccer, and netball, winning a AA tournament in Gugulethu. They are also successfully competing in local netball leagues, performing very well against other teams.
*Click here for more information on Afternoon Angels feeding program.
All photos provided by Ikamva Labantu.
bottom of page