Birchleigh Ubuntu project delivers winter aid to homeless and struggling families

The Citizen

03-07-2025

With winter settling in and the number of homeless people in Kempton Park increasing, Batho Pele Charity Organisation, founded by Birchleigh resident Michelle Roskruge, stepped in to provide meals and winter clothing to those in need.
On June 14, the Birchleigh Ubuntu project, supported by the Norkem Park CPF, Birchleigh community members, and the Community Crime Forum, distributed warm clothing and food to vulnerable individuals in Birchleigh and Edleen.
Despite setbacks while preparing for the project, the organisation raised funds through a last-minute raffle, collecting enough money through ticket sales to proceed with the outreach.
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Their first stop was opposite Wynand Hall in Birchleigh, where people gathered to receive clothing and meals.
'Giving is part of nature,' said Roskruge.
'I saw the great need for food and clothing in orphanages and in our community, and I decided to focus on that, even though running an NPO is not easy. I rely solely on community sponsorship, and Pick n Pay Elgin was the only company sponsor before it closed.'
The outreach drew not only homeless individuals but also residents struggling to make ends meet. Community members donated clothing to support the initiative, which went directly to recipients through the Birchleigh Ubuntu project.
After Birchleigh, the team moved to the Edleen circle for a second round of distribution.
Although quiet at first, volunteers walked around to inform people of the location to ensure everyone who needed help could access the donations.
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One of the beneficiaries, Solomon Mamashela, expressed his gratitude.
'I appreciate what they are doing for us. Life is really tough, and it makes me happy to know there are people still helping us,' he said.
'I hope they continue because many people need this help, not just us.'
Despite financial challenges, Batho Pele Charity Organisation continues to serve those in need, relying on community donations to sustain their efforts. The organisation plans to host a spring clothing and food outreach later this year.
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The Birchleigh community has played a vital role in supporting the project, donating food, clothing and pre-loved items. Local schools such as Mooifontein Primary and Birch Acres Secondary High also contributed generously.
Norkem Park CPF Sector 1 chairperson Willem du Plessis praised Roskruge's commitment.
'We have a passion for our community and want to give back as much as possible, not just by ensuring safety but also by showing the most vulnerable that we are here for them,' he said.
'I take my hat off to Michelle; giving so much of yourself to others is not easy but incredibly selfless. A little goes a long way.'
Du Plessis also expressed concern about the growing number of homeless people in the area, saying it reflects broader systemic issues such as the lack of affordable housing, mental health support, and economic inequality.
'More needs to be done at local and national levels to provide long-term solutions for homelessness. It's amazing to see everyone standing together, showing the true spirit of Ubuntu.'
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