Chairman’s interview by
Thom Pierce The Actionists
Nathi Mazibuko- Philanthropist
@theflamesofhopefoundation
Working as a security guard on winter nights in downtown Johannesburg can be a cold and lonely experience. Nathi Mazibuko would light a fire to keep himself warm and invite others to sit with him. Over time he formed relationships with street kids and sex workers, learning first-hand about their life experiences.
From these relationships grew his passion to make a difference in people’s lives, planning to one day open an orphanage and drug rehabilitation centre. Although his resources were limited, his ambitions were big and, with nothing but the encouragement of a friend, he decided to start.
He borrowed money from some friends, cooked a meal of rice and beef stew and took it to a nearby park to feed the homeless people there. This is how the Flames of Hope Foundation was started.
“ I was very happy, it was like a dream come true. Because it had always been in my heart that one day if I could get enough money I want to do this.”
The informal feeding scheme turned into a weekly event, cooking and serving food in the park, using his own money to pay for the food. Soon he was offered a space at the Twighlight Children’s Home in Hillbrow, Johannesburg where he now runs a feeding scheme every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3 pm.
Up to 500 people turn up for every meal. They feed the children first and then the adults. After they are fed, the children are invited to join an afterschool program which provides extra lessons to around 100 kids, 6 days a week, in partnership with Innovation of Excellence.
For the first two years, Nathi paid for everything from his own salary but they now have support from The Angel Network SA, One Moment Foundation, Pauli’s Food Company and Gift Of The Givers providing financial assistance and food.
“I’ve realised that If you do this community work and expect someone to say thank you you will get disappointed. You do it for the sake of helping.”
Nathi still works as a security guard from 6 pm to 6 am. He then runs the foundation from 7 am to 5 pm. By anyone’s estimation that leaves very little time for sleep.
#changemaker #activism #sustainability #injustice