Community Philanthropy

Bridgette Mamugudubi quit her well paying Job and cashed in her meagre pension a few years ago to set up a home for the disadvantaged. Now she has surprised all by winning a national award for her effort.

Mamugudubi (42) of Muledane, was recently given an award as one of the two winners of the Inyathelo Awards for Community Philathropy during an event in Cape Town.

As the founder of the Litshani Vhana Vhade Foundation, she now cares for more than 150 orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children on a daily basis.

"i never expected to win such a coveted award within a short space of my involment in community work. The award came as a surprise but made me realise that there are people out there who are looking at what we are doing in trying to make life better for others." she said. 

She said the award had opened doors for her and the foundation.

"i am happy that through the competition. I was able to network with many people and i am now exposed to the world. This can open doors for me, and we get more assistance for the children" she said.

She said some companies have already shown interest and they would soon be training their staff.

She said her road was not a bed of roses. "There were many obstacles in the road, but through the grace of God, we managed to reach this far. We received support from many quarters of our community, family, the business community and other generous good samaritans."

She said they were offered a site and will soon be embarking on a project at Gondeni Sterkstroom, where children will be housed but that will depend on the  availablility of funds. "There are many children at Gondeni Sterkstroom who need our care. There is no clinic at the village and our presence there will make a difference. We desperately need funding for this essential project" she said.

Mamugudubi started her community work in 2009. Over the past two years, she has managed to set up an early childhood development programme and drop in centre. Her foundation also runs a community library and literacy programme as well as a community outreach programme, which focuses on fighting and reducing the high incidence of HIV/Aids and gender based violence in the area. She supports two young soccer teams and continues to deliver food parcels and clothing to 26 needy families in the surrounding villages.