Young philanthropist hopes to bring change in South Africa and beyond

KWANELE Msomi, 22, the founder and managing director of the Ubuntu Aid Foundation non-profit organisation (NPO), is our Unsung Hero for this week.

Born and raised in Hull Valley, a rural area in Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal, Msomi decided to establish an organisation that focused on the development of the youth, particularly high school pupils, through career guidance, mentorship and donating uniforms and stationery, hailing from disadvantaged communities.

Having formally registered Ubuntu Aid Foundation in July, already over 50 youngsters have been impacted by the benevolence of the organisation.

According to Msomi, he was jolted into starting the organisation after realising the dire need for it in his surroundings.

“I was inspired to start this foundation because of the gap I saw in my community, where young people would finish grade 12 but resorted to a life of drugs and crime because of the lack of career guidance.

“Another reason was seeing children from disadvantaged homes dropping out of school because they don’t have uniform or stationery,” he said.

Msomi said the organisation did not receive any formal income to fund its needs.

“The NPO does not have sponsors. Currently, we are using money from our pockets to fund the initiatives we have. We would really appreciate companies or individuals who could donate towards our projects, thereby, ensuring the success of the organisation,” he said, with the hope of going the extra mile for the community.

“We try to overcome financial burdens by using what we have because we truly believe that our communities need change and it starts with us,” said Msomi.

The young philanthropist was raised by a single mother and has two siblings- an older sister and a younger brother.

Msomi began his primary schooling at Umkomaas Drift Primary school before progressing to Umkomaas Secondary School where he matriculated.

He then enrolled at the Durban University of Technology to study Bachelor of Child and Youth Care in 2021 and is currently doing his final year. He plans to further his academic aspirations by pursuing a postgraduate qualification in the new year.

He said that he drew his inspiration from radio personality Ayanda Msweli and attributed this to his leadership skills and drive for social change.

Msomi said that he had many hopes for the future of the organisation.

“I see myself becoming the agent of change in the whole of Africa, uplifting communities by providing the much needed services of guidance and mentorship. I see the organisation moving from being just South African to the African continent and inspiring change through an educational approach and mentorship, and bringing dignity to high school children through donating uniforms and stationary.

“Ubuntu Aid Foundation is determined to achieve these objectives,” he said.