From Zola 2, Soweto to Cum Laude
My name is Lebogang Stimane, a 21-year-old graduate from Zola 2, Soweto. I recently completed my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of the Free State, graduating Cum Laude. This achievement means everything to me – not only because of the hard work it took, but because of how far I have come. […]
From Hardship to Hope: Zandile’s Journey of Resilience and Gratitude
From hardship to hope: Zandile’s journey of resilience and gratitude At just 22 years old, Zandile Philda carries a story that speaks to the power of perseverance, love, and the life-changing impact of support. Her journey – from loss and adversity to education and employment – is a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets […]
Dare 2 Read: A new chapter for Westbury’s children
For years, we’ve been calling out for help – asking for tutors to support the children in our Westbury Family Care (WFC) programme. And now, our prayers have been answered. A passionate group of volunteers from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has launched the Dare 2 Read project – a literacy and academic support initiative that is already making a meaningful […]
Hope restored after five years of struggle to get proper documents
Five-year-old Minnie (not her real name) has been a part of the Abraham Kriel Bambanani (AKB) Community Care programme since age one. Like many children in our care, Minnie, is not from a nuclear family. Minnie lives with eight other family members in a four-room house in Zola, Soweto. The family depends on social grants […]
Thank you for the opportunity to reach my dreams
Westbury is a complicated suburb in the west of Johannesburg, that can be described as the epicenter of gangsterism and a “no-go” area when a drug war breaks out. Abraham Kriel Bambanani (AKB) has served in the community of Westbury for 17 years. Although we have had a few challenges in the area, we are […]
Community Care Leadership Camp
Community Care leadership camp Twenty boys from our Community Care Program attended a leadership camp. The focus was on the boys and the issues that affect them. The group discussed many different topics and one of them was family structure and what it means to be a boy child/man. This discussion led to interactive discussions […]
The makings of an AKB CHAMPION!
In 2021, we shared Lina’s story with you. A matriculant with lots of potential, who needed support to overcome some of her challenges in order to fulfill her academic endeavors. Lina was moved from the one-bedroom shack, she shared with her sister and father, in Slovo Park informal settlement, to Abraham Kriel Bambanani’s Langlaagte campus. […]
Food Security and Health
According to Trading Economics (https://tradingeconomics.com/south-africa/youth-unemployment-rate) the Youth Unemployment rate in South Africa currently stands at 66,5%. Many of these young adults are having children that they cannot sustain. Thus, the problem of a lack of food security, even in an urban environment such as Soweto, is on the increase. Miemie Retsuri, Senior Manager for Community […]
A safe place for children in need
Abraham Kriel Bambanani is a place where children can feel safe, loved and cared for, not just by the staff, but by people who donate, volunteer and spend time with them. YOUR contribution to the development of the children in our care is pivotal and has an impact on the kind of adults they become. […]
Lina’s story
At age 19 Lina (pseudonym) faced terrible odds for completing matric successfully. Her social worker was concerned that her circumstances would prevent her from fulfilling her potential. Lina, who has been in the Westbury Family Care programme since September 2013, lives in the Slovo Park informal settlement in a one bedroom shack, together with four […]