“My main challenge is transportation to collect donations - I do not have a car”

Pic: Hellen Mamabolo

Running an NPO is not as easy as one can think. Hellen Mamabolo (41) is a founder of Mokalifestyle Foundation NPO based in Mankweng, Toronto in Polokwane – Limpopo Province (South Africa). The beautiful lady attended school at Pula Madibogo Primary, Dikolobe and did Grade 8 – 12 at Westbury High in Gauteng Porvince.

“I started Mokalifestyle Foundation NPO during Covid -19 after realizing that everyone is going through tough times and dealing with loss of jobs. I focus more on disadvantages kids, started asking for donations and the response was great. I donated clothes, sanitary pads and food”, she said.

People are skeptical when donating to NPO’s and asking whether their donations reaches the right people. “They doubt if the organization benefits itself or community at large. My main challenge is collecting the clothes as I do not have a car so I rely on good Samaritans and bolt”, added Hellen.

Nedbank sponsored Mokalifestyle Foundation NPO with a building to ensure the safety of donations. Gone are those days where foundations are easily funded or sponsored. The government is trying but the requirements makes it difficult for organisations to apply or qualify, which leads to downfall of lots of them.

“They will ask lot of things such as financial statements where else some of the foundations like mine do not do monetary donations. It’s hard for us, we are trying hard to make a difference to our communities which rely on us. My plea to the government is to make funding easily accessible and provide support where it is necessary”, she said.

Patience is always a key, Hellen’s advice to people who want to start their NPO’s is to do it with love and dedication. Any information regarding sponsors or donations can be directed to: Facebook : Hellen Mamabolo | Instagram: Mokalifestyle Foundation | Contact :+27 81 283 5778 or deliver to house no: 80b Toronto – Mankweng.