The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation

The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation Helping hands, open hearts. At Mandisi Tshingana Foundation, we believe every life deserves a fresh start. Join us on this journey where hope begins.
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Our mission is to uplift, support, and empower those in need with compassion and care.

Re: The Tabase Project – Mthatha, Eastern CapeGood friends. AThe Mandisi Tshingana Foundation would like to extend its s...
15/06/2026

Re: The Tabase Project – Mthatha, Eastern Cape

Good friends.

AThe Mandisi Tshingana Foundation would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all our supporters, donors, and well-wishers who continue to make our work possible.

As communicated on 25 May, the funds that were initially intended for another project were redirected to another humanitarian project. This decision was taken after we became aware of a family in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, whose difficult living conditions were highlighted in a report by SABC News (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17d6qFMHf1/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

We are pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Tabase Project. Construction is well underway, and we are delighted to report that the walls have been completed and the structure is now taking shape. During the course of this week, work will continue with the installation of the roof, bringing us another significant step closer to providing this family with a safe and dignified home.

This project would not have been possible without your generosity and unwavering support. The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation is nothing without its supporters, and we remain deeply grateful for every contribution, whether big or small.

We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses and will share further developments as we move towards completion.

May God richly bless each and every one of you for your kindness, compassion, and commitment to helping those in need. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable families and building a brighter future for our communities.

Mandisi Tshingana Foundation
Where Hope Begins.

Dear friends and supportersWe are grateful to share that the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation has collected R10,000 in suppo...
08/06/2026

Dear friends and supporters

We are grateful to share that the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation has collected R10,000 in support of Ms Sduduzile Sinenhlanhla Nhanchengo (also known as Sinenhlanhla Khoza), who recently trended in South Africa after being diagnosed with Werner syndrome.

Werner syndrome is a rare, genetic condition often described as an adult-onset premature ageing disorder. People with this condition typically experience symptoms earlier than usual, including thinning hair, skin changes, cataracts, short stature, diabetes, and an increased risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. Werner syndrome has no known cure.

Support for affected people therefore focuses on symptom management and everyday needs: medical appointments and medications, specialised eye and dental care, dressings and skincare products, mobility aids where necessary, nutritious food, toiletries, transport to clinics, and other practical living expenses.

We recognise that some of you noticed a delay between fundraising and payment. As a reputable foundation entrusted with the public’s donations, we have a duty to exercise careful due diligence before distributing funds. In this case we needed to verify Ms Nhanchengo’s nationality and identity. The surname Nhanchengo is of Mozambican origin, and because South Africa is currently grappling with complex debates around migration and irregular border crossings, we must be especially diligent. The national conversation about immigration has become highly politicised, and organisations handling funds can be vulnerable to misuse - real people’s livelihoods and donors’ trust are at stake.

To protect both Ms Nhanchengo and our donors, we conducted verification checks with the Department of Home Affairs and other appropriate channels. We apologise for any frustration caused by the extra time this required, but we believe the caution was necessary to ensure the integrity of the donation process.

We have now confirmed that Ms Sinenhlanhla Nhanchengo is legally a South African national. The R10,000 raised has been allocated and paid to her to assist with the immediate needs associated with Werner syndrome, including toiletries, wound- and skin-care supplies, transport to medical appointments, and other essential living costs. Attached to this statement you will find proof of payment to Ms Sinenhlanhla Nhanchengo (aka Sinenhlanhla Khoza), from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

We are guided by a commitment to compassion, accountability and respect. While we work to change systemic conditions that leave vulnerable people without adequate care, we must also operate transparently and responsibly today. That responsibility includes careful identity and eligibility checks so that support reaches the intended recipients and donor trust is preserved.

We do not make these checks to exclude, but to protect both the beneficiary and the wider community of supporters who place their confidence in our work.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared Ms Nhanchengo’s story, and who waited patiently while we completed the background checks with the Department of Home Affairs. Your generosity and understanding have made immediate relief possible for someone living with a difficult, incurable condition. We are humbled by your solidarity.

With appreciation,
The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation family

05/06/2026

Dear friends

We recently visited the family featured in the SABC clip below, in Tabase, Mthatha and - as communicated on 25 May 2026 - will be embarking on a project to build them a new home.

We are asking our community to help. If you can recommend a reputable builder or a contractor who can provide labour for this build, please share their details with us. As a non-profit organisation, the tender for the work will be awarded to the most cost-competitive contractor who meets our quality and compliance requirements.

Please email quotes and recommendations to [email protected] by COB Tuesday, 9 June 2026.

Thank you for your support.

The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation team

01/06/2026

Dear Mandisi Tshingana Foundation family

Six days ago, on 26 May 2026, the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation shared a difficult decision: funds originally intended for Abongile Matsebula’s medical procedure would be redirected to support another family in urgent need due to reasons previously communicated. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed and for the trust you place in our work.

Following our recent celebration of Simanye Tonono in Idutywa, the Foundation was unable to leave the area without providing immediate relief to families facing food insecurity in Mthatha. In a spirit of compassion and solidarity, we distributed essential food supplies to two vulnerable households to ease their burden.

During this visit we also met with one family who are living in extremely challenging conditions. We have begun discussions with them about rebuilding their home and developing a practical, dignified plan to improve their living situation. This will be funded from the redirected resources we noted on 26 May 2026 and from other charitable contributions earmarked for community relief.

We thank every donor, volunteer and partner who made this possible. Your generosity has already made a real difference, and we remain committed to transparent, accountable stewardship of funds. Once the rebuilding project commences, we will share regular updates on progress and how donated resources are used.

Thank you for standing with us as we work to support families in need. Indeed, you have turned our house into a home where hope begins.

Best regards,
The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation team.

Dear friends. Today, 30 May 2026, in Idutywa, the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation celebrated a remarkable milestone: the gr...
30/05/2026

Dear friends.

Today, 30 May 2026, in Idutywa, the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation celebrated a remarkable milestone: the graduation of Simanye Tonono from the University of Fort Hare with a degree in Agriculture and an extraordinary 22 distinctions.

Simanye achievement is a testament to extraordinary resilience; after losing his family in a tragic accident, he continued his studies with courage, determination and an unwavering commitment to his future.

We were deeply moved to see the community gather to honour Simanye. His success reminds us that talent, hard work and hope can overcome even the gravest setbacks. It also proves how vital community care is: it truly takes a village to raise a child.

When neighbours, teachers, friends and organisations stand together, we create the strong foundations young people need to thrive.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, supported and attended today’s celebration. Your generosity, whether through time, resources, mentorship or simply showing up, has made a real difference. Thank you for helping make the Eastern Cape a place where we celebrate one another’s victories and lift each other in times of need.

We also recognise the power of social media in amplifying real-world impact. The messages, shares and donations sparked online have translated into practical support and hope in Idutywa today.

Once again, congratulations to Simanye. May his story inspire many more to dream big, work hard and lean on the village that surrounds them.

Many thanks,
The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation family

Re: The ProjectDear Friends The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation confirms that we have met with Mthetheleli’s family and r...
30/05/2026

Re: The Project

Dear Friends

The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation confirms that we have met with Mthetheleli’s family and reached an amicable agreement on how to move forward with the project. We are grateful for the constructive and collaborative spirit shown by all parties and look forward to working together to honour Mthetheleli’s legacy and realise the project’s goals.
Work will commence in mid-June. We will share further details and timelines with stakeholders as plans are finalised.

We’re humbled to reach 100,000 followers!Thank you for believing in our work. Every share, volunteer hour and donation h...
26/05/2026

We’re humbled to reach 100,000 followers!

Thank you for believing in our work. Every share, volunteer hour and donation helps plant the seeds of change; together, we are where hope begins. 💚

26/05/2026

Don’t try to scam us, chomi. We will investigate.
Sila thina 🤘👀

Dear friends. On 3 May 2026 the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation publicly announced that we had raised R40,000 in donations ...
25/05/2026

Dear friends.

On 3 May 2026 the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation publicly announced that we had raised R40,000 in donations to assist Abongile Matsebula, a child diagnosed with Cloverleaf Syndrome. This condition affects Abongile’s brain, has led to a brain disorder and has resulted in the loss of her eyesight. Our public appeal stated that the R40,000 would be used to cover medical expenses related to the surgery recommended by the treating hospital and that those funds would be paid directly into the hospital’s account.

After we confirmed that the targeted amount had been raised on 3 May 2026, Abongile’s mother, Ms Nokuthula Matsebula, made further requests for cash assistance for rent, groceries and other personal needs. When we raised concerns about public transparency and reminded stakeholders that the donations were collected specifically for the surgery, Ms Matsebula informed us that the surgery was not urgent and that she intended to purchase a feeding tube as a cheaper alternative. She also indicated she would use any remaining funds to pay outstanding personal debts.

These requests conflicted with the Foundation’s donation policy and our understanding with donors about the purpose of the funds. We therefore sought clarification and documentation from Ms Matsebula and from the hospital to ensure that any expenditure would be transparent and consistent with donors’ intentions.

We asked Ms Matsebula to provide a formal quotation for the surgery with the hospital’s letterhead. After discussions with the hospital and its representative, one Mr Maseko, we received an official quotation showing that the surgery and associated required treatment would cost in excess of R61,000.

Following negotiation and in recognition of the fact that these funds were raised through public goodwill, hospital management agreed to a discretionary REDUCTION of R10,000 to the total fee.

This discount left a remaining shortfall of approximately R11,000. The Foundation therefore proposed that we transfer the R40,000 that had been raised directly into the hospital’s account as an initial deposit to reserve a theatre date and demonstrate our commitment, while Ms Matsebula would assist in raising the balance to meet the hospital’s full fee.

The hospital DECLINED to accept a partial deposit. Their position was informed by a prior incident in which a previous deposit of R10,000 to the hospital by a donor had been redirected by Ms Matsebula into her personal account rather than being applied to the surgery after she could not pay the rest of the amount.

The hospital’s policy is that they will only proceed once the full amount is paid into their account.

Given the hospital’s stated position and in order to protect the integrity of the funds and the interests of donors, the Foundation could not place a partial deposit when the hospital would not accept one. We also cannot and will not force a medical provider to change its financial policy.

During these negotiations Ms Matsebula provided the Foundation with a letter dated 25 May 2026 in which she declined further assistance and indicated that she wished to part ways with the Foundation.

In light of that decision, and after internal consultation, we have engaged with our largest donors. Three principal sponsors, whose contributions total R25,000 of the donated amount, have confirmed that they do not wish to be reimbursed and have instructed us to reallocate the funds to other community projects.

We must also record our serious concerns about Ms Matsebula’s conduct. We have established that she has approached other organisations and individuals for assistance in the past and that her behaviour has, in several instances, made it difficult for third parties to provide help.

The Foundation is duty-bound to ensure that public donations are used for the purpose stated when funds were solicited and that vulnerable beneficiaries are not placed at further risk by interventions that lack transparency.

On that basis, and with immediate effect, the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation will no longer provide support to Ms Nokuthula Matsebula or facilitate transfers on her behalf.

The Foundation remains committed to supporting vulnerable children and families. We have already identified a new priority project: a six‑year‑old girl in Mandela Park, Mthatha, who has been found caring for her grandmother, her mother who is living with a severe mental illness, and a two‑year‑old sibling. We will provide further details about the Mandela Park project and how the public can assist in due course.

We humbly apologise to Baby Abongile for the distress caused during this process. It is our sincere hope that Abongile and her mother secure the medical care and support they both require.

We also reiterate our gratitude to everyone who donated and to those who trust the Foundation to steward their contributions responsibly.

For media enquiries please contact:
Mandisi Tshingana Foundation
[email protected]

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