Mokhele’s visit formed part of an internal volunteering initiative called the SAMSA Change Makers Challenge where employees nominate projects or causes from their communities. Four winners are then selected, with each winning employee gaining R60 000 for their project.

The day began at the Kgahliso Children’s Home which cares for 30 orphaned and vulnerable children living with HIV/AIDS. The SAMSA CEO handed over much needed groceries and warm fleece blankets. The CEO and the SAMSA team then visited Itsoseng, a day care centre which looks after 40 elderly people. The centre organises daily planned activities and assists with daily medical check-ups at the local clinic. The SAMSA staff spent time with the elderly and enjoyed tea after handing over 40 fleece blankets. 

“We enjoyed the visit from SAMSA as our elderly don’t often get many visitors. The blankets will help them keep warm,” says Elizabeth Khoza founder of Itsoseng Centre for the Elderly.

The last visit was at the Dirang Ka Kagiso, an initiative that supports child headed households affected by HIV/AIDS. Parcels of basic essentials were handed over to four households, including food, toiletries and cleaning products. “I would like to thank SAMSA for visiting us today and for bringing my family these gifts which will go a long way.  I’m so proud of ntate Tsietsi who grew up in our community and has come back to uplift our community and motivate the youth” says 18-year-old Xolani Khumalo.

For Mokhele supporting this community is extremely important. “I was born and raised in Bophelong and strongly believe that the community helped shape the man I have become today. As a young boy, I would spend my Sunday afternoons along the banks of the Vaal River, mesmerised by the water, the boats, the fishermen, thinking that one day I would have career in maritime. I feel passionate about giving back and making a positive impact,” says Mokhele.

For more information, visit www.samsa.org.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook.