Journey to South Africa

One of Ithemba’s goals has always been to create and opportunity for its donors to see the accomplishments of their support. In November, this goal was realized for several of our supporters when they made a trip to South Africa. For the majority of the participants, this was their first voyage. It began with tours of Soweto and Johannesburg, including stops to the Mandela Family and Apartheid Museums. Next stop was Cape Town, where the group remained for the duration of the trip.

Cape Town was a contrast of breathtaking scenery and history contrasted with unimaginable poverty in the surrounding townships. In both cities, the travelers were enlightened about the extremes of the apartheid past. They were able to witness the progress and current optimism, yet also were exposed to the hardships that remain.  

South African board members Peter Le Roux and Cornelius Scheepers joined the group in Cape Town. Here they briefed the supporters on the day-to-day operations of Ithemba’s programs in the nearby township of Wallacedene. When the group ventured to the township, they met Natasha, an awarding winning karate student, and Gloria Ngcukana, who operates the feeding scheme.

Since the organization’s inception, these donors have been making contributions to ensure the success of these programs. For the first time, they were able to personally witness the work being done on the ground in South Africa. The children welcomed their guests by displaying their acting and singing talents in an original play they had written. While visiting the school meals program site, the group saw the challenges Gloria and her volunteer’s face providing food and counseling in a community profoundly affected by HIV/AIDS and physical and sexual abuse. 

Yolanda McCutchen, Ithemba’s director of public relations, accompanied the delegation to assess the current programs and research potential new partnerships and expansions for the organization. “My years on Ithemba’s board of directors, working to raise funds in the U.S. did not prepare me for what I saw in Wallacedene. Although the challenge is great our team in South Africa is prevailing,” was McCutchen’s reaction on her first trip to one of the organization’s project sites. “I now have a new understanding of the immediacy and impact of our work.”

The affect of the experience was immeasurable for all involved. Edana Lewis described it as: “The best trip I have ever taken.  The highlight was the time we spent witnessing and participating in the work that the Foundation does daily for the children of South Africa.”

The children of Wallacedene and the country of South Africa made a significant and lasting impression on all that traveled there in November, Gabrielle Faulcon summarized the experience in these words “The trip helped reinforce how important it is to be globally minded. “ 

Ithemba anticipates leading future delegations and introducing more people to the country and people of South Africa.