The South African National Defence Force Spouses’ Forum (SANDFSF) appears to have wholeheartedly embraced the ubuntu principle, encouraging people to prioritise welfare of others over themselves.
The forum, led by its chairperson Masindi Maphwanya, has woven ubuntu into their fabric of existence, demonstrating unwavering commitment to benevolence.
Following deliberate discussions on how to honor Nelson Mandela International Day, SANDFSF conceived a noble initiative: distributing blankets to the less fortunate.
The forum members convened on June 21, 2024, at the Thaba Tshwane Military Sports Club Community Hall in Pretoria to launch the blanket-making project.
This initiative aims to extend beyond the single day, envisaging a long-term empowerment project that will provide skills and warmth for years to come.
The gathering was essentially a “train-the-trainers” day, with the goal of teaching a core group of women how to make blankets.
These trained individuals are expected to pass on their skills to others, ensuring a ripple effect of knowledge and empowerment. “The objective for this initiative is ‘let’s come together to spread warmth and kindness by making blankets for those who need them the most,” explained Thozama Lande, the initiative’s facilitator.
She highlighted the target of making 250 blankets for the needy before Mandela Day, expressing confidence that this project will bring joy and improvement to the lives of the less privileged.
Lande also called upon the youth, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in developing and growing their skills. “This is a call to all young people and women to take part in developing and growing their skills and getting involved. The aim is to shine each other’s crown by sharing skills that will uplift them.”
