Help Ikhaya Le Themba bring hope back to IY

Ikhaya Le Themba, a non-profit organisation based in Imizamo Yethu, will open its doors to the public on Mandela Day, Thursday 18 July, from 11am to 3pm.

The organisation, which provides after-school care for vulnerable children in the community, is inviting Hout Bay residents to visit its campus, spend time with the children, assist with small projects, or contribute through donations or volunteering.

Project manager Sanele Krishe said the project started attracting the interest of children between the ages of 7 to 14 years, all looking for a space to express themselves in.

"Ikhaya Le Themba offers a safe, loving, and caring environment, where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive," Mr Krishe said.

As a Christian-based organisation, Ikhaya Le Themba aims to instill "hope, faith, and purpose" in the lives of the children they serve, but more children means more resources are required.

Each day, the organisation provides a warm, nutritious meal for the children before they receive homework assistance from the Ikhaya Le Themba team.

"Our own educational curriculum is designed to close learning gaps and support academic growth. A place where children feel seen, heard, and loved," Mr Krishe said.

iKhaya le Themba was founded in 2004 in partnership with the Imizamo Yethu community and other local organisations. There was a pressing need for a safe and supportive space for IY’s children during after-school hours, where they could get help with their homework, and be loved, nurtured and cared for while their primary caregivers were at work, according to Mr Krishe.

The organisation first started operating from a purpose-built campus out in IY. They originally offered hot meals and homework help in a safe place for 45 kids, but very quickly grew into a programme with a reinforced learning curriculum that worked alongside the government education system.

"Our core work at our ‘home of hope’ is providing structured and holistic after school care for 163 vulnerable and marginalised children so they can grow and thrive," Mr Krishe said.

Mr Krishe said Ikhaya Le Themba was busy prepping for Mandela Day 2025, inviting the Hout Bay community to join them.

Ikhaya Le Themba will be open from 11am until 3pm on Mandela Day, July 18, and everybody is welcome to spend time there.

If you'd like to get involved, contact Mr Krishe on 083 635 9088 or email sanelekrishe@gmail.com or sanele@ikhayalethemba.org.za

"We look forward to connecting and making this Mandela Day meaningful - together," Mr Krishe said.