GloveUp Foundation successfully completed a 10-month Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Capacity Building Programme, equipping our team with specialised training in trauma counselling, facilitation, and survivor-centred support. More than a professional development programme, the journey became a powerful experience of personal healing and transformation, strengthening our ability to serve vulnerable individuals and communities with empathy, compassion, and care. We are deeply grateful to We Will Speak Out and Faith Action Collective for investing in our team and fully sponsoring our participation. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to advocating for survivors, promoting healing, and standing against gender-based violence in our communities.
In partnership with SANTACO and district taxi associations, GloveUp Foundation hosted a School Uniform Distribution and Education Dignity Initiative to support vulnerable learners and promote access to education. Held at Uvongo Hall on 24 March 2024, the programme provided school uniforms to children in need, helping restore dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the classroom. The initiative highlighted the importance of collaboration between community organisations, the taxi industry, schools, and local stakeholders in addressing the barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential. More than a uniform donation, the programme was a commitment to investing in the education, wellbeing, and future of young people while encouraging learners to pursue their dreams with confidence. It also demonstrated the power of community partnerships in creating lasting social impact and ensuring that no child feels forgotten.
Following growing concerns around teenage pregnancy and other social challenges, GloveUp Foundation launched the "VALA NTOMBO" Campaign to encourage responsible decision-making, healthy lifestyles, and positive values among young people. The campaign delivered awareness programmes in schools, churches, and community youth groups before culminating in a three-day Girls Empowerment Camp in Murchison. Originally planned for 150 participants, the camp welcomed nearly 400 girls and young women between the ages of 6 and 35, providing a safe space for personal growth, mentorship, and empowerment. The programme combined motivational talks, health education, cultural activities, leadership development, and life skills, while promoting dignity, discipline, self-respect, and cultural identity. Through partnerships with community leaders, government departments, faith-based organisations, and local stakeholders, the initiative became a powerful platform for inspiring young women, strengthening community collaboration, and investing in the next generation of female leaders.
Following the devastating killings in Mthwalume, GloveUp Foundation responded to the deep trauma, grief, fear, and sense of injustice experienced by affected families and the wider community. Led by Rev. Mafungwase Mbili, the initiative began as a faith-driven call to stand alongside grieving families and advocate for justice, dignity, and healing. Working with community leadership, including Chief Luthuli, the programme facilitated pastoral care, community dialogues, trauma counselling, prayer, and spaces for truth-telling and mourning. More than 200 community members, including 68 direct victims and affected families, participated in these interventions. The Institution of Healing Memories later joined the initiative, supporting more than 80 families through an eight-month healing process involving individual counselling, group therapy, community dialogues, and spiritual support. Over three years of engagement, the initiative contributed to a gradual shift from anger, fear, and hopelessness towards healing, resilience, faith, and renewed community trust. The programme demonstrates GloveUp Foundation's commitment to walking alongside communities affected by violence and creating spaces where healing, justice, dignity, and restoration can take place.
In partnership with Save the Children South Africa, GloveUp Foundation supported a three-day Climate Change Awareness Programme across schools in the Ugu District to educate learners about climate change, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness. The programme reached hundreds of learners from several schools, including children with special educational needs, through interactive awareness sessions on changing weather patterns, environmental responsibility, and community disaster response. The campaign concluded with a district-wide awareness event at Maveshe Hall, bringing together approximately 280 learners, government departments, and community organisations to strengthen environmental awareness and community resilience. Through this initiative, GloveUp Foundation helped empower children and young people with the knowledge and practical understanding needed to become responsible environmental stewards and active participants in building safer, more resilient communities.
Following GloveUp Foundation's community safety advocacy efforts in Port Shepstone, the Foundation hosted a Breakfast Appreciation Engagement with SANTACO leadership, the Security Forum, church leaders, and community representatives on 26 March 2023. The engagement recognised the contribution of approximately 43 Security Forum members deployed within the Port Shepstone CBD to support public safety, assist commuters, monitor criminal activity, and restore confidence in the town. The gathering also strengthened collaboration between the taxi industry, faith organisations, civil society, and community safety structures. Through prayer, fellowship, and appreciation, the programme promoted community unity, safer public spaces, stakeholder collaboration, and collective responsibility for protecting communities. It demonstrated the importance of building relationships between those working on the ground and the communities they serve.