Lighting up the festive season with his charity

This festive season, many families are grappling with the harsh realities of poverty, but Thabiso Makhaye is determined to bring them hope through his NGO, the Psalms91 Charity Foundation.

Makhaye, who hails from Illovo near Amanzimtoti and currently resides in Groutville, has dedicated his life to uplifting impoverished families since founding his charity in 2019.

Makhaye’s journey began when he was inspired by local institutions such as Sakhithemba and the Mother's of Peace children's home in Lower Illovo. He started his mission by going door to door in Durban with a group of friends, seeking donations for those in need.

“Since I was young, I wanted to help poor people,” he said. “When I moved to Stanger, I realised that families, especially children, still needed assistance.”

As a maintenance foreman at Siza Water in Ballito, Makhaye allocates a portion of his salary each month to support his charity. He is often confronted with the financial reality of running an NGO, saying, “most of the time, the money we use comes from my pockets.”

To enhance the effectiveness of his charity work, he collaborates with his fiancée, Lethu Khoza, and close friend, Sbusiso Cele, who are registered members of the NPO, assisting in planning events and collecting donations.

On December 16, he will host a festive children’s party for Othandweni children’s home in Stanger. Makhaye is actively seeking donations for this event, which aims to uplift not just one home but various impoverished families through collaborative efforts with Othandweni and the God’s Love Ambassadors movement, of which he is also a part.

Despite operating on a limited budget, Makhaye’s heart is set on a bigger dream.

“My biggest wish is to raise enough funds to open my own children's home situated between Stanger and Durban,” he said.

He envisions this home, named KwaZulu-Natal Christian Children Home, as a nurturing environment where children can thrive and learn about God. “I don’t have the money yet, but I hope I can get help with a building or land,” he said.

Makhaye’s reach extends beyond Stanger; he also engages in charitable efforts in other areas of KwaZulu-Natal, including Mbumbulu and Melmoth.

His passion stems from a deep-seated belief that no child should face hunger, especially during the festive season. “There are so many families that need help. Some young boys end up robbing people because they don’t have food or money to enjoy the festive season like everyone else,” he said.

His plea is a simple yet powerful one: “I wish we all share this festive season and make sure everyone has food for Christmas and for the New Year.”