Tag Archives: South Africa

The Waterberg Trust continues to distribute food parcels to the needy in Vaalwater in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

January 19, 2026Africa, Charity, Community projects, Ending period poverty, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, christmas, Limpopo Province, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

School nurse Sister Grace, writes from the Waterberg in South Africa to say that over the Christmas period she managed to distribute food parcels to those in dire need including a Mozambican man whose home was burnt down to ashes. “His neighbours were supportive and received the food on his behalf while he went for medical attention.”

An orphaned boy rescued from the streets was also given food, sent back to school and is now doing well along with his siblings.

Sister Grace Identified children in need of clothing for the Christmas season and was able to provide them with essentials provided by local supporters.

She reports that about 55 girls received donated clothes and sanitary items over Christmas. The Department of Education has been supplying disposable sanitary pads and these are distributed to learners when schools are open, but not over the long summer holidays. “The sanitary pads provided significant relief to the girls, who had been coming in on a daily basis.”

“Below are 20 food hampers generously donated by Sonja to be distributed to the community. I carefully identified 20 beneficiaries in need, and personally handed out the hampers.

“Attached are some of the photos showing the recipients.”

PROGRESS:

▪ We provided food to those who had lost hope and had no source of any income

▪ Vulnerable children are given ongoing social and material support

▪ Placement of school dropouts who are now back at school and provides with support

▪ Working with stakeholders who donate food, clothes and uniforms

▪ Giving dignity to teenage girls by providing donated pads and hygiene packs

CHALLENGES:

▪ Huge families struggle to buy enough food to last through the month

▪ Unemployment and poverty within families who survive on social grants alone,

which is not enough to sustain them

▪ Alcoholism, gambling and abuse of child & elderly social grants is a major problem

▪ Increased number of substance and drug abuse.

MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE

If you are able to support his small but effective grassroots project, even in a small way, The Waterberg Trust has a Just Giving site that can receive funds in eight different currencies.

The Waterberg Trust can receive CAF cheques and donations in other ways specified on our How to Donate page.

Could you sponsor an ourstanding scholar in South Africa?

December 20, 2025Africa, Charity, Education, Limpopo Province, Orphans, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, donate to further the education of orphaned students in Africa, Education, Limpopo Province, news, South Africa, sponsor a student from the Waterberg through university in South Africa, sponsor an orphan through further education, WaterbergSophie Neville

The Waterberg Trust sponsors outstanding students through university in South Africa — Huge congratulations to Elton

The Waterberg Trust is hoping to raise funds to sponsor outstanding students through further education in South Africa.

We have just received news that Elton Chitanda has completed a degree in Computer Science at Eduvos University in Gauteng, South Africa. He writes to say:

“I am pleased to share that I have officially completed my Computer Science degree. My final block consisted of two modules, including my final-year project, and I passed both. With these results, my three-year programme is now complete.“

This is a huge achievement for Elton, who has lived in Vaalwater with his auntie and younger brother Elvis ever since his mother passed away.

“I am truly grateful for the trust and encouragement I received from everyone at TWT. Knowing that I had people believing in my potential and supporting me throughout this journey gave me confidence and motivation even during the most challenging moments. Your guidance and support went beyond practical help, it reminded me that my goals were worth pursuing and that hard work can lead to real achievements.”

Having won a top achiever award, Elton passed fourteen modules with distinction, including Advanced Information Computer Skills and Computer Network Security.

“Looking back, I can genuinely say that University was an important experience for me not only academically, but personally. It allowed me to grow, develop new skills, and gain confidence in myself and my abilities. Reaching this milestone has been very meaningful, and I know I would not be here today without the support and trust of TWT.”

Elton Chitanda with his final-year project group at Eduvos University in Gauteng, South Africa

Recognised as an outstanding student lacking parental support, The Waterberg Trust was able to channel funds via the Northern Education Trust to pay for his university education. He kept TWT updated on his progress as you can see in an earlier post on this website.

“My immediate goal is to gain practical industry experience and continue developing my skills within the field of Computer Science, with a particular focus on web development.”

Elton adds:

“I would like to further my studies through postgraduate education once I have gained solid professional experience. For now, my focus is on learning, growing, and applying what I have studied in a practical, real-world environment.”

Some years ago TWT sponsored Donum Mandizvidza after his mother died. He gained a degree in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics at Pretoria University and is now working as an accountant.

Donum Mandizvidza at Pretoria University

If you are a student seeking help, please contact The Waterberg Trust using the comments box below.

There are different things TWT can consider. If you would like to personally sponsor, or help to support, another outstanding student from the Waterberg in South Africa, or to help Elton through postgraduate education, please contact The Waterberg Trust C/o Noel Cooper at The Trust Partnership (Phone: +44 1285 841900)

Many thanks go to our donors who have enabled us to support Elton and others.

Even small donations help enormously. TWT has a Justgiving site and several ways of making a donation listed on the How to Donate page on this website.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge will double any donation made to The Waterberg Trust until 9th December

December 2, 2025Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Big Give, biodiversity, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Christmas challenge, conservation, ecology, Lapalala Wilderness, Lapalala Wilderness School, Limpopo Province, nature, South Africa, The Big give ChristmasChallenge helping children of the Waterberg, The Big Give ChristmasChallenge2025, WaterbergSophie Neville

Our aim is to send teenage school children from the Waterberg in South African on a course in wildlife conservation at Lapalala Wilderness School to broaden their horizons, present them with career opportunities and raise awareness about the vital importance of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve where they live.

Would you be able to help?

A donation made through the Big Give will be doubled until 9th December 2025. Even small donations are a great encouragement and will make a big difference.

We have reached our challenge target but this remains a great way to donate and means we will be able to apply for a higher amount of matched funding next year.

Situation:

The Waterberg plateau in Limpopo province, South Africa is an unspoilt wilderness of great and valuable biodiversity. It has been awarded UN World Biosphere status.

Within this area are several impoverished communities. The Waterberg Trust works to uplift school children, providing healthcare and environmental training, in order to improve the life chances of individuals and thereby protect the environment.

Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg, South Africa

Solution:

By providing a 5-day residential environmental training course for a classroom of teenagers, individuals will gain an understanding of their biosphere and its value to them, their communities and the world ecosystem. Follow-ups are conducted by the trainers back in the school classroom to maintain interest and deepen learning. This is often the first exposure these young people get to understanding wildlife. Some go on to have careers in nature conservation or work in hotel and catering management on game reserves in the area.

The Waterberg Trust has sent a number of groups to Lapalala Wilderness School in the past. As you can see from the photos above, this has always been a great success.

Lapalala Wilderness School is a long-established NGO or charity in it’s own right that has been changing the lives of young people in South Africa for 34 years.

You will find The Waterberg Welfare Society page here on the Big Give website under Waterberg Welfare Society Trust

Help us to make another course happen! All donations received via Big Give will be doubled until their deadline on 9th December.

Their match funding partners, or“Champions”, make everything possible. It’s a simple idea. When the public donates to one of their campaigns, they ask their Champions to match donations to help make an even bigger difference, as explained here and in the video below.

Many thanks to all our donors! We are deeply grateful.

Would you be able to help the uplift children of the Waterberg in South Africa?

December 1, 2025Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, BigGiveChoice, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Education, Limpopo Province, South Africa, The Big give ChristmasChallenge helping children of the Waterberg, The Big Give ChristmasChallenge2025, uplifting-school-children-and-teenage-mothers-in-the-waterbergsouth, WaterbergSophie Neville

Big Give will double any funds The Waterberg Trust can raise between 2nd and 8th December 2025. Donations can be made via their site online.

Our aim is to provide a school class (53 children) with an in-depth, 5 day residential environmental/conservation course at Lapalala Wilderness School. This will have far-reaching benefits for both the children learning about the value of their environment and long-term conservation protection in the Waterberg which is a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve where they live.

Local students on a course at Lapalala Wilderness School

The children of the Waterberg so need help in broadening their horizons. School Nurse, Sister Grace says, “Over the last few months, 100 school children had issues that needed private intervention, with a home visit and family involvement.” She has listed current challenges:

Learners living with step-parents can face psychological and emotional trauma.
Sexual abuse of girls. Families choose to keep silent if the offender is a family member.
Trauma after being raped or sexually abused.
Gender based violence leading to physical injuries.
Suicidal ideation due to bullying by ‘friends’ via social media platforms.
Lack of concentration in class and failing to cope after the loss of parents or loved ones.
Unsuitable home environment for studying due to noise or dysfunctional families.
Poverty affects many children especially on weekends and holidays.
Guardians misuse the social grant meant for child upkeep.
Learners drop out of school due to substance abuse, addiction or failure to cope in class.
Lack of family caregivers at home to look after the babies of teenage moms when they return to school.

Equiping pupils who have no parents with school shoes

Sister Grace explained that, after home visits and the family meetings, “I managed to refer 20 learners to different stakeholders i.e. Victim Support Unit, SASSA, along with Social Development and Department of Home Affairs for ID and birth certificate application.”

Sister Grace helping schoolgirls in South Africa

She travels from one school to another on different days of the week. “I focus on addressing complaints and issues which were raised from the beginning of the year from learners who prefer to treat personal challenges individually in the presence of their chosen trusted guardian, parent or sibling.”

Ending period poverty – Schoolgirls in the Waterberg receiving packs of washable eco-sanitary pads

This year, schools reopened on the 13^th October, which is the 4^th term and busy time of the year when students prepare for final exams and Matric learners attend extra classes both during the week and on weekends. Dedicated educators are working hard to ensure they support the Matric learners especailly if they have fallen behind.

Six babies were born to teenage mothers who have returned to school. Some use formula while others are express-cup feeding. Hygiene measures to prevent infection are properly explained.

The Waterberg Trust is helping babies born to schoolgirls in South Africa — School nurse Sister Grace ensuring babies born to teenage mothers get a good start in life

Good News:

The Department of Education continues to supply disposable sanitary pads for schoolgirls.

The Waterberg Trust helping school children in the Waterberg, South Africa

Dignity Dreams supply re-usable packs of eco-sanitary pads

BEAUTIFUL VEGETABLE GARDENS ENSURE LEARNERS HAVE EXTRA NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE EIMS FOUNDATION WHO ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LUNCHBOX MEALS AT ALL THE SCHOOL’S FEEDING SCHEMES, WHICH IS A HUGE BENEFIT TO LEANERS

Businesses in the Waterberg have been making generous donations

A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO SUSKES, in VAALWATER for DONATING 220 SCHOOL UNIFORMS for MAHLASEDI PRIMARY SCHOOL

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Matric learners attended educational camps
Enrichment classes continue during the school holidays
Sporting activities and competitions for both primary and high schools
Matric farewell functions

You can find out more about the Big Give and how they double the difference:

The Knitting Club of Vaalwater in the Waterberg, South Africa

October 16, 2025Africa, Charity, Community projects, Home Based Care, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Peer Education, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, craft, How can I send wool to a charity project?, knitting community project, knitting wool needed, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Waterberg, What is the best thing to knit for homeless people?Sophie Neville

Would you be able to raise funds to buy wool for to the Vaalwater Knitting Club? The Waterberg Trust is launching a project to knit navy blue and black beanies for children to wear to school.

To date, knitting club members have been making much needed blankets, and clothes for children who need to keep warm over the South African winter as temperatures in the Waterberg can drop below freezing at night.

You can find ways of how to donate in this website here.

The Knitting Club of Vaalwater is a lovely community project, bringing people together.

Young Mothers in The Waterberg — Young mothers receiving items knitted by the knitting club

The most beautiful items have been produced

The knitting club need more wool to keep going!

The brand new, handmade gifts preserve the dignity of the recipient.

Baby clothes — Warm baby clothes donated to teenage mothers in school

Sister Grace, our school nurse, donates items to those in need.

Sister Grace donating a hand-knitted blanket

Most blankets go to teenage mothers or the very elderly who need to keep warm in chilly Waterberg winter nights.

Some items were given to a family whose house burnt down.

The kind donation of a hand-knitted jersey

A knitted blanket was donated to a 14 year old expecting a baby

Sister Grace monitoring the wellbeing of a newborn baby

Monitoring a baby born to a teenage schoolgirl

The colourful blankets have brightened up many lives.

The Knitting Club continue to knit blankets for the elderly and for teenage moms.

Every gift had been gratefully received and used well.

Sister Grace working in Leseding Township

A soft blanket was given to this lady who is in the nineties.

Could you knit a beanie or donate wool?

School Nurse Sister Grace distributing hand knitted blankets to the elderly of the Waterberg

Sister Grace donating a blanket to an elderly resident

It cost about £1 to provide enough wool to knit a hat for a child

These hats help the children to get out and about and can be worn to school.

They are also fashionable and attractive.

Hats provided by the Vaalwater Knitting Club

We are raising funds to bu wool at wholesale prices. Please donate on The Waterberg Trust Justgiving page

Ways of making a donatation can be found in this website here.

Teenage pregnancy support in the Waterberg, South Africa

July 11, 2025Africa, Charity, Community projects, Healthcare, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Limpopo Province, minstering to the hungry, Small but effective grass-roots project helping rural people in the Waterberg, South Africa, South African teenagers, Supporting teenage mothers, WaterbergSophie Neville

School nurse Sister Grace supporting teenage mothers

School nurse, Sister Grace writes to say that 53 individuals in 11 family units remain in need of food parcels and other essential items. These include school-aged mothers, child-headed homes, the unemployed who have no source of income, unemployed foreign nationals, or huge families struggling to meet daily demands.

After completing home visits and assessments, Sister Grace buys food that is distributed to the beneficiaries. “Those who are faced with an urgent situation are assisted accordingly.”

Thanks go to all those who donated to TWT’s Food Parcel Appeal back in 2020. Thanks to careful purchasing and management, we are still drawing on the funds raised. The scheme has worked exceptionally well. Many desperately needy people have benefited and thousands of meals have been provided.

If you would like to help, even in a small way, financial donations can be made via The Waterberg Trust’s Justgiving page or as specified on our Donate page here.

A food parcel financed by The Waterberg Trust

Prices for essential commodities fluctuate, but Grace shops around for the best deals. “I also buy baby clothes for teenage moms and donate clothes to needy children and adults.”

A school-age Mum receiving guidance and support

“All the pregnant girls I interact with are in between the ages of 15 – 18 years. They do have knowledge about where to access free contraceptives but are reluctant to go and seek for help due to unknown reason.”

A school-age Mum in South Africa receiving essential supplies — A school-age Mum receiving essential supplies

CHALLENGES: Most problems are complex and differ from one household to another

Alcoholics choose to spend money on beer rather than food
Child-headed homes lack parental guidance
Poverty
Gender Based Violence leads to sexual and physical abuse
Unemployed parents and youth
Increased number of teenage pregnancies

Some local community members remain employed on road construction on the R33, or on surrounding lodges and farms, while others run small scale businesses and earn extra income to support their families.

WISHLIST: Baby clothes, wool and sanitary products

News from a promising student from the Waterberg in South Africa supported by TWT

June 19, 2025UncategorizedAfrica, Charity, Limpopo Province, South Africa, sponsor a student from the Waterberg through university in South Africa, sponsor an orphan through further education, University sponsorship, WaterbergSophie Neville

The Waterberg Trust has a policy of supporting outstanding students from the Waterberg who lack parental support. Elton Chitanda, who was awarded a TWT bursary to study computer science at Eduvos University in Guateng, South Africa, has won a Top Achiever Award, marking him a student of distinction in South Africa.

He writes to say:

Elton completed his course in 2025, passing with distinction in many modules, and will officially receive his graduation certificate in 2026.

Thanks goes to TWT’s supporters and fundraisers. If you are able to help, even in a small way, TWT can accept donations via Justgiving or other ways detailed on the website here.

If you would like to sponsor a promising student through higher education, please contact The Waterberg Trust C/o Noel Cooper at The Trust Partnership (Phone: 01285 841900)

News from our school nurse in the Waterberg, South Africa

June 11, 2025Africa, Charity, Education, Healthcare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, Orphans, School vegetable gardens, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, Education, learning, Limpopo Province, news, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Every morning, School nurse Sister Grace checks into Meetsetshehla High School where her office is located, before attending other schools on weekly, scheduled visits. Teachers help identify needy learners and refer them to her on a one-to-one basis. She also spends time with groups of girls, educating them on puberty, menstruation, hygiene and access to contraceptives.

Examinations are looming. Grade 12’s attend classes from Monday to Sunday to ensure they are well prepared and can catch where they are behind.

Sporting activities, with learners competing with other schools in soccer and netball are popular. Winning teams have advanced to the next round of competitions.

School vegetable gardens are suppling extra food for the existing feeding scheme.

Recycling projects are generating funds for schools. The initiative empowers learners and reduces littering while keeping school premises clean. Each school now has four different waste bins for plastic, tin, glass and paper.

Coding and robotics classes are being introduced in primary schools to prepare children for the future. Tablets have been delivered for them to use:

PROGRESS:

Teachers have attended workshops on supporting learners and producing good results.
Extra classes have been provided for the Matric students of 2025.
Learners eat breakfast before classes commence and lunch during break.
The EMS Foundation is supporting schools on farms with lunchbox meals. These include instant porridge and lunch, adding to the existing feeding schemes.
The lunchbox is one of the best initiatives to help children from disadvantaged families.
Absenteeism in schools has declined since learners eat at school.

CHALLENGES:

Lack of parental involvement in school meetings or children’s activities
Gender Based Violence, sexual abuse and harassment
Poverty leading to dropping out of school
Increased teenage pregnancies
Bullying and physical fights among learners
Poor family background i.e. unemployed, low or no source of income & alcoholic parents or guardians

PREGNANT LEARNERS	NUMBER OF LEANERS PER SCHOOL
Meetsetshehla Secondary School – 4	596
Leseding High School – 8	1363
Motakamhotala High School – 1	368

BELOW ARE THE LEARNER ENROLLMENT PER SCHOOL

PRIMARY SCHOOLS	TOTAL LEARNERS	NUMBER OF TEACHERS
Mokolo Primary	1224	34 Teachers
Mahlasedi Primary	1423	38 Teachers

TOTAL NUMBER OF LEARNERS SEEN INDIVIDUALLY = 555

Medical condition=65 (Epilepsy 8, asthma 25, dental abscess 6, allergic conjunctivitis 26)

Social Problems = 45 (orphaned 25, alcoholic parents 10, physical abuse 8, suicide attempt 2)

Menstrual issues = 105 (Pads distributed to girls)

Referral for contraceptives =150 (girls aged 13-19 years-old accessed injectable contraceptives)

Minor ailments = 85 (soccer injury, physical cuts after picking a fight, insect bites, colds)

Counseling = 115 (HIV/AIDS preventative measures, how to deal with addiction and coping methods, how to overcome depression.)

Sister Grace adds, “Other learners discussed in class matters about learning, combating fatigue, importance of exercise, career guidance and the disadvantage of bullying in schools.”

Schools will have a winter break towards end of June but Matric learners have no holiday as they need to intensify their studies and prepare for the year end final exams!

Every donation made towards Sister Grace’s salary is recognized by the local community and the schools she helps. The Waterberg Trust is looking for people who would like to make a monthly donation, as small regular payments help hugely with budgeting. Please see the HOW TO DONATE page for more information.

The Big Give is match-funding donations to The Waterberg Trust

November 25, 2024Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Ending period poverty, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Vulnerable Children, WaterbergAfrica, Charity fundraising event, Limpopo Province, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Support Sister Grace helping girls stay at schools in the Waterberg

Great News! TWT have been selected for the ‘Big Give’ Christmas Challenge. Any funds raised from 3rd to 10th December will be doubled! We are hoping to hit the £1,000 target in this critical week, which will then be doubled to £2,000.

To help raise the first £1,000 we have organised a fun a fun 12 mile Waterberg Winter Walk in North Norfolk on Saturday 7th December, with the option of continuing on Sunday 8th December.

The circular route begins in Langham and embraces the magnificently wild coastal marshland from Stiffkey to Cley, and the back inland to the start. Along the way we will enjoy the spectacular views of sea and marsh, good conversation and lungfuls of fresh salt air. There will be a break for coffee at Blakeney, a picnic lunch at Cley and then back for tea & cake at Langham, about 4 hours 30 minutes of easy walking, rain or shine.

Some people will stop at Blakney and others after lunch at Cley. You can walk for as long as you like.

It’s not too late to join in the fun, just let us know if you’d like to come by leaving a comment below.

In the evening you might like to join us for a delightful Christmas Concert by Candlelight in Standhoe Church. On Sunday morning all are welcome to join a different, shorter inland walk overlooking the coast.

Please come and enjoy the walk with us, supporting TWT in this wonderful way. If you cannot, please tie a knot in your handkerchief to remind you to make a donation of £50 or more via the Big Give Website during this critical week 3rd-10th December .

The Waterberg Trust is a small charity doing a big job in the Waterberg, South Africa. Thank you for your support.

Buy a child a pair of school shoes

Big Give have a pledge form we can share with donors: https://community.biggive.org/s/pledge?campaignId=a056900002TPX9BAAX

Acts of Mercy in the Waterberg, South Africa

November 23, 2024Africa, Charity, Community projects, Limpopo Province, Nonprofit, South Africa, Uncategorized, Vaalwater, Waterberg, YouthAfrica, Charity, food, Long distance riding, news, South Africa, Sponsored ride, WaterbergSophie Neville

REPORT FOR OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2024

School Nurse Sister Grace taking donations to members of the Waterberg community — Sister Grace taking donations to members of the Waterberg community

Sister Grace writes from South Africa to say she that she continues to distribute food parcels purchased by The Waterberg Trust to those in need. She also distributes clothes and sanitary pads donated to the local Acts of Mercy project. “Some families are facing hard times due to increased prices of food and having extended families to support.”

Beneficiaries are identified and assessed according to their needs and challenges. The food parcels currently benefit 31 individuals in 8 family groups. One mother’s dwelling burnt down recently. Others continue to receive monthly food parcels due to unresolved social circumstances. Items are bought from different supermarkets to obtain the best prices.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Girls continue to receive free sanitary pads and clothes on a regular basis
The Social Relief Grant continues to benefit many including unemployed youth
Job creation schemes benefit locals within town, surrounding farms and lodges
Churches are taking part in helping the needy with food parcels
School children continue to be provided with daily meals via the feeding schemes

CHALLENGES: