Umhlanga woman makes family feel at ‘home' with hearty donation

The Citizen

09-05-2025

A STORY of compassion, courage, and faith is unfolding — one that proves how a single act of kindness can transform lives.
At the heart of it is Lea Wimble, a conveyancing attorney and owner of Wimble Attorneys, whose small firm is making a big impact on the lives of Ncebakazi and Aliza Dotwana.
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Two years ago the Northglen News published a story about the Dotwanas who came from the Eastern Cape to Durban to get treatment for Aliza, who was two years old at the time. She was born with congenital glaucoma and is blind and deaf.
Wimble and Dotwana's paths crossed with a simple Facebook post.
Occupational therapist Caitlin Waters shared Aliza's story. The post explained the financial challenges her mother faced trying to get her daughter into a special needs school. Wimble saw the post and quietly stepped in, covering Aliza's school fees anonymously.
But their story doesn't end there.
Wimble has always believed that her business should be a blessing to its community. In 2019, she turned that belief into action by launching The Gifted Project, a heartfelt outreach initiative with a bold mission: to donate a property to someone in need every year.
So far, two families have received homes — but the latest chapter might be the most moving of all.
Eventually Wimble met the Dotwanas in person at one of Aliza's birthday parties at school, but soon after life took a turn – the Dotwanas had to leave Durban and return to the Eastern Cape due to lack of support and secure housing.
'The school had stopped invoicing me for Aliza's fees. I didn't think to question what had happened at the time. I learnt that they had returned to the Eastern Cape suddenly and I left it at that,' she said.
A full year passed. Then one Sunday in September 2024, while at church, Wimble said she felt a sudden nudge during a sermon about King David and helping your neighbours.
'I felt the Lord say, 'What about the little girl that used to sit at your table? Where is she?'' Wimble recalled.
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She reached out to the occupational therapist again and learnt that the Dotwanas had indeed moved away. This time she probed further and got contact details for Dotwana.
'I called Ncebakazi and that's when it all made sense,' said Wimble.
'Ncebakazi told me she had to leave Durban as she needed a place to stay, so returning to her family home in the Eastern Cape was the only choice she had at the time. I realised that God had chosen Ncebakazi as our next beneficiary for the Gifted Project. We worked on getting her back to Durban so Aliza could start school again and we could find them a home,' she added.
That October, Wimble found a property that felt right, but the offer wasn't accepted. Then in February on Valentine's Day, the estate agent called. That same property was back on the market. This time, it was meant to be.
Now in the process of transferring the home into Dotwana's name, the property will offer more than shelter, it's a lifeline. With two children, Dotwana will live on one side and rent out the other to supplement her income.
Just last week, Huizemark Apex donated R50 000 to support the project. More people are getting involved.
'When I received the call from Lea, my words to her were, 'I didn't know God could touch my heart like that,'' said Dotwana.
'When I had to leave Durban, I didn't think anyone would follow up as I left so suddenly. I was under so much pressure, I couldn't even ask for help. Hearing from Lea months later was unexpected and life-changing. Now I know God sees me,' she said.
'I never thought I would be getting my own home. I didn't even think that someone would come forward and pay Aliza's fees as it's so expensive, but the blessings keep coming and I am so grateful to Lea and everyone involved,' added Dotwana.
Despite the difficulties of Aliza's care needs and the weight of single motherhood, Dotwana remains hopeful.
She's studying part-time through UNISA with NSFAS funding, determined to build a better future for her family.
Wimble, too, is deeply moved by the journey.
'We're a business of just four people, but if every person or business asked, 'What can I do to help?' the world would change. Sometimes it just takes listening to the still, small voice that nudges us.'
For Wimble, the greatest reward is seeing someone feel seen, valued, and loved. 'We want to build something that is bigger than just ourselves,' she said. 'We want to be part of building something that will outlast us.'
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