CapaCiTi Cares initiative inspires candidates to show acts of generosity

As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, both lives and livelihoods are at risk, and food security becomes of paramount importance. Many organisations around the world are mounting special efforts to reduce the impact on the most vulnerable groups. To do our part in these troubled times, we launched CapaCiTi Cares, an initiative that aims to bring about positive change by encouraging CapaCiTi candidates to go out into their communities and make someone’s life a little bit better.

 

With the gracious donation of R100 000 from a benefactor, our candidates were given R250 each to create a positive change for someone in need. Many of our candidates don’t have R250 to spare themselves but were very keen to use the donation to help those who have a greater need.

 

Developing our candidates’ personal development skills is integral to the CapaCiTi curriculum, and attributes such as responsibility, accountability, and empathy for others are encouraged. CapaCiTi Cares gave our candidates a chance to show care to those less fortunate and demonstrate humanity in action.

 

And the results are inspiring.

 

The candidates grabbed the challenge with both hands and went much further than we expected with their acts of kindness.

 

Armed with R250 and a shopping list, they provided food essentials for those who needed it the most, whether it was a neighbour, a homeless person, a child-headed household or girls who needed a helping hand.

 

For instance, CapaCiTi candidate Yandiswa Sompali chose to help an unemployed single mother of two who lives in Philippi and is struggling to make ends meet.

 

“I am so grateful that with the help of CapaCiTi I was able to help her. I wish I could have done more for her but she’s very grateful. The smile on her face. Yesterday I learned that it is very important to give/help another person no matter how small the help is. Once again thank you for this opportunity, we sometimes take things for granted not knowing some people are really in need.”


Some of the candidates even went the extra mile, matching the R250 with money of their own.

 

“I used the R250 and matched it with another R250 out of my stipend for a total of R500 to buy some essential groceries that I dropped off at my church. My church has a ‘drive-thru’ dropoff point where any donations are welcome. They make grocery packs and distribute them to families in need in the community,” shared candidate Nicky-Leeze De Wet.

And while most of the candidates provided food parcels to the most vulnerable, other acts of generosity included went beyond food.

 

CapaCiTi candidate Jenny Coleman bought warm jerseys and beanies for the children at Baphumelele, an organisation based in Khayelitsha that supports and provides homes for child-headed households.

 

“The orphans in Baphumelele have lost one or both parents from HIV/AIDS. I volunteered at a clothing drive to help provide the children with some warm clothes for winter. The clothing drive was very successful with many families joining together in this time of need to help others.

 

“Due to the generosity that day, these kids will be a little warmer this winter and have some food on the table.”


CapaCiTi candidate Silungile Dliso also recognised a big need in Phillipi East.

 

“I bought these young girls sanitary pads, Colgate, soap and toothbrushes. This helped the young girls in improving their hygiene as some of their toothbrushes were over a year old, and they used cloths instead of pads as they cannot afford pads if they don’t get them from school,” she shared.

Fiona Tabraham, Chief Executive of CapaCiTi is passionate about giving back and showing kindness to those in need in these troubled times, and also shared her own CapaCiTi Cares story.

 

“When lockdown started, I was worried about food security for those who couldn’t earn an income during lockdown. Initially, I donated money but it was a concern that troubled me deeply and I wanted to do more. I started making soup for Lockdown Ladles in mid-April. My mum, husband and I cook 20 litres of soup together every Saturday and often make sandwiches too. To date, we have made over 240 litres of soup and around 250 sandwiches. That means nearly 1000 hungry tummies have been filled by our small efforts. I’m passionate about caring for others and am so proud of our candidates who are doing amazing things in their community via the CapaCiTi Cares initiative. Kindness and care go a long way in these troubled times. Take care and please stay safe.”

The public was also so inspired by the CapaCiTi candidates that a few people enquired how to get involved, and some even pledged to get involved and support the initiative on a personal level.

 

“Inspired by Silungile Dliso’s post on your page, I put together these 12 gift bags for young ladies in her community. I can’t wait to deliver it to her. THANK YOU #CapaCiTiCares for the great initiative!” shared user Grizelda Visser Bothma.

 

If you had R250 to help someone else, what would you do?

Fiona Tabraham

Fiona Tabraham is a strategic workforce development expert with a career founded on a resolute commitment to inclusivity, talent nurturing, and societal impact. Chief Executive of CAPACITI Digital Career Accelerator, Fiona’s passion for equity has charted pathways across numerous organisations, guiding bespoke Talent Initiatives, Future Leadership Development Programs, and transformative Career Pathway Development. Her tenure at Network Rail bore inclusive talent strategies, STEM advocacy, and innovative Graduate, Apprentice, and Internship initiatives. A trusted partner to a number of governmental, corporate and impact driven entities, Fiona empowers individuals and organisations, fostering diverse recruitment practices and innovative talent strategies. Fiona’s impact transcends the tech sector, positioning her as a leading voice for inclusive digital career initiatives.