Youth leads by example as 22-year-old Thando to Thembelihle community

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, one young woman from Ennerdale is proving that making a difference starts with a single act of kindness.

Twenty-two-year-old Thando Precious Gumede returned to the community that helped shape her childhood by hosting a clothing and soup drive for residents of Thembelihle informal settlement in Lenasia on Friday, June 12.

The initiative took place at Thembelihle Clinic, where residents received warm soup and donated clothing, bringing comfort and hope to those in need during the winter season.

For Gumede, this was more than just a once-off charity event. It marked the beginning of a long-term vision to uplift vulnerable communities.

“Since it’s Youth Month, I feel there aren’t enough young people taking the initiative to give back to their communities. I want to lead by example and show that even small effort goes a long way,” she said.

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Although this was her first community outreach programme, Gumede has ambitious plans to expand her efforts by establishing a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting residents of informal settlements.

“I don’t want to only give away clothes, but I am hoping that it will grow and expand over time. I am looking into giving away school shoes, food parcels, and more in the future,” she said.

The clothing distributed during Friday’s drive was made possible through donations from family members, friends, community members, and supporters who responded to Gumede’s appeal on social media.

Gumede hopes her journey will inspire more young people to become active in their communities and demonstrate that age is no barrier to creating positive change.

Residents or organisations wishing to support her growing initiative through clothing or other donations can contact her on 064-283-6441.