Local retailers donate to Bombani shelter ahead of Mandela Day

The Citizen

15-07-2025

As Mandela Day edges closer, and organisations ramp up efforts to give back to their communities, Southern Africa Partners (SnAPSA) and two local supermarkets spared a thought for the society's most vulnerable citizens who are affected by the alarming rate of abuse against women and children.
On July 14, the community-based non-profit organisation SnAPSA went to Shoprite in Alexandra Plaza and Boxer at the Pan Africa Shopping Centre to collect items donated for the benefit of women and children at the Bombani Shelter—a haven for abused women and children. Shoprite donated preloved clothes, while Boxer donated food items to the value of R600.
Read more: Bombani Shelter empower its women to celebrate Womens Month
According to Shoprite's store manager, Thabiso Mashitwa, after SnAPSA dropped one of their donation boxes at their store, staff members demonstrated their willingness to donate some of their preloved clothes. She emphasised the importance of their participation, noting that it means a lot to both the store and the staff.
'There are people out there who do not have food or clothes. For the mere fact that we, as Shoprite, can ensure that at least a single child or woman gets clothes to wear, it means a lot. Those who donated, we know that at least one or two children will be able to get clothes,' she noted.
She also lauded SnAPSA for the initiative and for involving them in it ahead of Mandela Day. 'I am also grateful to have a team behind me who donated their preloved clothes. I wish we could do more. All I can say [to SnAPSA] is please remember us again,' she said.
Boxer's assistant store manager, Gift Maila, also expressed pride in their involvement in the initiative. 'We pride ourselves on giving back to the community. That is our motto; we strive to be the people's champion within the communities we serve. So, us doing this today, giving back, is what we do.'
One of the mentors at SnAPSA, Zamashasha Hlengwa, expressed gratitude to the stores for their donations. Hlengwa noted that they will give the donated items to women and children at Bombani on July 17, ensuring that they have a fun day.
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