
With another winter approaching and Covid-19 still shrouding the world, the plight of homeless people is being championed in Soweto. The Street Store Hang Up. Help Out drive looks to provide the less fortunate with some warm clothing this winter.
Initiative founder Rephethile Kgwale says: “We will be distributing in Protea South extension. I always aim to put my community first, especially because I know their living circumstances and unfortunate experiences.”
READ: Homeless in winter in SA: By choice or circumstance?
Giving is in Kgwale’s temperament and he is constantly looking for ways to aid the disenfranchised.
His biggest challenge has always been the financial constraints of charitable labour.
“I’ve been struggling to get approval for my NGO application, [which] limits my abilities to get funding from big companies.”
Street Store Hang Up. Help Out is just one of the many charitable drives that Kgwale, who works as a TV production assistant, has sparked.
Beyond this drive, he will also have a few other schemes looking to aid his community.
“It takes R5 to help a fellow individual. Money shouldn’t be the gap between [yourself and] helping others. Love and care are just what our disadvantaged friends need. Your semi-new jeans that you don’t wear often [are enough] ... There’s no need to hold on to things you don’t utilise any longer.”
However, Kgwale says that people shouldn’t just pass off their most worn-out garments.
“Give without any assumptions of receiving,” Kgwale pleads.