In a moving demonstration of compassion and community spirit, Diketso Tsa Lerato NPO, led by Rethabile Nolo, partnered with CTU Private Tertiary Education on Saturday to provide food and prayer to more than 100 men searching for employment in Bloemfontein’s city centre.
The outreach formed part of South Africa’s annual Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, where citizens are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of service to improving the lives of others. Supported by three CTU staff members and volunteers, the initiative focused on restoring hope to people facing the daily challenge of unemployment.
Volunteers prepared and distributed food while taking time to pray with every person they encountered. The outreach was not only about meeting an immediate need for a meal, but also about reminding those struggling that they are valued, respected and not forgotten.
Leading the initiative, Rethabile Nolo said the mission of Diketso Tsa Lerato is rooted in love, dignity and compassion.
“Our purpose is to restore hope to people who have lost it. Many of these men leave their homes every morning believing they will find work, but return with nothing. We wanted them to know that someone cares, someone is praying for them, and they should never lose hope. This is what serving our community is all about.”
Throughout the morning, volunteers shared conversations, encouragement and prayers with the men, creating moments of genuine human connection beyond the simple act of handing out food.
The partnership between Diketso Tsa Lerato NPO and CTU Private Tertiary Education demonstrated how community organisations and educational institutions can work together to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The involvement of CTU staff reflected a shared commitment to social responsibility and community upliftment.
South Africa continues to face significant unemployment challenges, leaving many people searching daily for opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. For many of the men who received assistance, Saturday’s outreach was a reminder that kindness still exists and that hope can be found even during difficult times.
Looking ahead, Rethabile Nolo confirmed that the outreach will not end with Mandela Day.
“This is not a once-off event. We are committed to making this a regular community outreach because the need is there every day, not only on Mandela Day.”
As volunteers gathered for a group photograph after the event, smiles reflected more than a successful outreach—they reflected the enduring spirit of Ubuntu, where communities come together to uplift one another.
In celebrating Nelson Mandela’s legacy, Diketso Tsa Lerato NPO and CTU Private Tertiary Education showed that lasting change begins with simple acts of kindness, compassion and service.
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