A Light of Hope to many

Borne out of co-founders Pastor Ntlanganiso Mtwa and Nomonde Makhetha’s small effort to aid the Duncan Village community in 2005, non-profit organisation Light of Hope has blossomed into a successful support centre.

Situated on Tappa Street on a piece of land that was once a dumping site, Light of Hope is operated by four caregivers and supported by members of the Down Town Christian Church.

The organisation is aimed at assisting residents with life-threatening illnesses such as HIV/Aids, TB and cancer, as well as residents who suffer from diabetes.

Through home-based care, support groups and prayer groups, Light of Hope supports 60 patients per year and ensures that they have access to a clinic and medication.

“We saw a need within this community and realised that government intervention could not cover everyone so we had to lend a helping hand.

“We have a hands-on approach, visiting people in their homes and linking them to hospitals and clinics for treatment,” said Mtwa.

Sadly, shortly after Light of Hope was established, Makhetha passed away, but Light of Hope remained and grew into what it is today.

Through generous and continued support, Light of Hope went on to open Nonceba crèche, situated down the road from Light of Hope.

They also offer a weekly games day programme for young adults in the community, as well as a sewing class for women.

At each of Light of Hope’s support groups and programmes, community members are also given a meal made with ingredients from the centre’s vegetable garden, as well as sponsored groceries.

Mary and John Windo were so moved by the organisation’s good deeds that they decided to move to South Africa from their home in England after visiting in 2005.

From fundraising to providing transport to the clinics and hospitals for patients, the couple have been supporting Light of Hope for the past 12 years.

“We really felt that God called us out here and looking back, there have been some really amazing times.

“We never thought we would be here for this long, but it’s been a wonderful journey,” said Mary.

The couple are busy relocating back to the UK, but have decided to continue supporting the organisation through fundraising efforts.

“We will be their foreign support, and we will definitely be making regular trips back to South Africa to visit Light of Hope,” said Mary.

The four caregivers who have training in home-based care, first aid and HIV/Aids counselling, ensure that patients take their medication correctly and go for regular check-ups, while also providing motivation and support.

“When I first started I was afraid because it’s really tough work, especially when you see how sick some of these people are.

“It’s hard to see people suffer, but many of our patients improve and I just jump up and down when they get better. It makes my heart so full,” said caregiver Nokuthula Xabanisa.

MTN customer representative, Kauta Gqabantshi said after hearing about Light of Hope, he decided to nominate the organisation as a beneficiary of MTN’s Y’ellow Care Campaign this year.

MTN East London donated groceries, seeds for the vegetable garden, blankets and sponsored the building of a bathroom structure for Nonceba crèche.

“The organisation does so much good work and as MTN, we are honoured to help them make a difference,” said Gqabantshi.

Pastor Mtwa expressed his gratitude to everyone who has and continues to support Light of Hope.

“One of our biggest challenges is funding but all the struggles have been worth it. It’s amazing to see the smile on our patients’ faces when they improve – to see that transformation and know that you played a part in it,” said Mtwa. — madeleinec@dispatch.co.za