Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Senior Features Writer
FROM the remote landscapes of Binga District in Matabeleland North Province, a beacon of hope emerges.
Mrs Sikhanyisiwe Ndlukula-Nkomo (41), from Chibila Village under Chief Sinamagonde in Lusulu, Binga, who is based in neighbouring South Africa, saw a need and dared to dream of a better future.
Her journey, deeply rooted in the heart of Binga, inspired her to form the Hope for the Less Privileged Foundation in 2021.
Through this organisation, she is not only providing essential menstrual hygiene education and free sanitary pads but a lifeline for countless children and families, distributing clothes, shoes, blankets and bags.
This is the story of a woman who, driven by the spirit of her home, is turning empathy into action and transforming lives, one act of kindness at a time.
Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo’s journey began with a simple observation. Living in South Africa, she saw how many people would throw away clothes and shoes that were still in good condition.
“I figured they could come in handy to the less privileged. So, I started collecting previously loved items,” said Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo.
This spark of an idea grew into the foundation she started in 2021. What drives her is not the expectation of profit, but the spirit of Ubuntu, the belief that we are all connected.
“Some think I am making a fortune by selling the stuff I bring from SA, but they don’t understand that this is not about money, it’s about the spirit of Ubuntu, giving without expecting anything in return or profit.”
One of the cornerstones of her foundation is a deep commitment to the education and well-being of young girls.
Recognising the immense challenges they face, Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo focuses on providing menstrual hygiene education and sanitary pads.
“Some girls miss school because they don’t have anything to use and fear embarrassment of messing themselves while at school. There is too much stigma around it,” she said.
She understands that a simple donation of pads can have a profound impact, giving girls the confidence to attend class and participate in activities without fear.
“Sanitary pads give them confidence and comfort. The kids can even do sporting activities without fear of dropping funny stuff because pads have wings and they are completely guaranteed to stay intact.”
Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo is keenly aware of the health risks girls face when they have no other options.
“Some girls resort to using old clothes or socks, and that is a health risk because they might end up getting infections,” she noted.
Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo’s dedication to this cause is unwavering, and thanks to the constant donors for pads, she can ensure a steady supply, making a tangible difference in the lives of these students.
Her work extends beyond menstrual hygiene to encompass the entire community. She has a keen eye for what’s needed most, focusing on essentials like clothes, blankets, shoes and bags.
“I have seen how some people will be dressed in torn clothes or are not dressed warmly, especially in winter and that cuts deep. I put myself in that person’s shoes and I always come to the rescue,” she said.
Her efforts are so well-known that the community anticipates her big distribution events, with some even asking her home caretakers: “When is MaNdlukula-Nkomo coming? We don’t have clothes now?”
Her commitment also extends to the youth through her role as a sponsor and ambassador for the Young Stars Football Club in Chibila Village, Binga.
This partnership goes far beyond a simple donation.
“I love the fact that it keeps the boys off the streets,” she said, emphasising that sports provide a positive outlet. Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo recently donated soccer kits, medals, calendars and a trophy, delighting the team that had won a tournament but couldn’t afford a prize.
She sees the larger purpose in her support.
“It gives the kids a purpose and exposure, it keeps them busy and we discover new talent every day.”
Despite the significant challenges she faces, especially the high cost of transporting donations from South Africa, Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo remains optimistic and resolute.
“People only donate clothes, not funds to transport the items,” she explained, highlighting the personal sacrifice she makes to ensure the goods reach those in need. Still, her vision for the future is expansive.
“I would love to see Hope for the Less Privileged Foundation spreading its wings and helping other districts, not only in Binga but Nkayi, Gwanda, Hwange and Esigodini as well,” she said.
To achieve this, she calls on others to join her mission.
“If people can donate a packet of sanitary pads each, we can constantly supply our high school girls with a two to three months’ supply,” she said, extending an open invitation to anyone willing to partner in the fight against period poverty.
Mrs Ndlukula-Nkomo’s story is a powerful testament to the impact one person can have.
She measures her success not with numbers, but with the smiles she brings to people’s faces and the positive change she instills.
As she so wisely puts it: “Blessed is the hand that gives than the one that receives.”
derick.khumalo