Faeeza has been critically involved in the Bosmost and Riverlea community, feeding the poor, caring for elders and abused women, and recently registered the Marshman Foundation non-profit organisation. Through this, she hopes to open a safe house, soup kitchen and rehabilitation centre for abused individuals.

“I found myself residing across from a home for the aged where I saw how these members of our community were left without support or care from family members and loved ones,” says Faeeza. “I began caring for the residents, providing meals at my own expense, and it sparked my passion for tackling other societal problems head-on with my community.”

“There is so much joy in giving and helping people,” she says. “One of the highlights that stands out is putting a call for help on Facebook for the residents of a block of flat that lost everything in a fire. Help poured in from all over – the response was amazing – and after working together with housing and social services, a year later the residents were able to move back into their fully renovated flats.”

A volunteer at the Phakamani Young Minds Academy Mentorship Programme since 2020, Thuleleni mentors high school learners from disadvantage communities and provides guidance where needed. “I grew up lacking so many of the resources that were easily accessible to others,” says Thuleleni. “So, when I see someone in need or with low self-esteem, I can relate. I want to help where I can, let them see themselves as the special person that God created and bridge the resources gap.”

While there are challenges, such as the learners not having enough time or a quiet environment to study in at home, there are also plenty of moments that bring Thuleleni joy in the mentorship process. “When I see my little contribution making a huge difference in someone else’s life, that’s a real highlight for me,” she says. “For example, the study lamps I bought for my mentees so they can study when there’s loadshedding, or the data I buy for them so they can research and connect with their classmates to revise. Seeing the confidence they gain in themselves, the positive outlook on life that they gain from the mentoring session… these changes in behaviour all lead to good academic results, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”