Our latest feature celebrates and showcases black excellence throughout our communities, proving that incredible achievements are happening all around us every day. Today, we're putting the spotlight on Ontshiametse Tlhopane from Soweto. She's not only a Miss SA finalist for 2024, but she's also the founder of Safehere. We had the chance to sit down with her and dive into the incredible work she's been doing.
MUZI: We've been seeing the hashtags #Safehere and #Clothed&Covered popping up everywhere. Can you tell us more about what they mean and how this movement got started?
ONTSHIAMETSE: I started #Safehere because I care about kids' safety and development. We focus on four key areas: school success, social skills, staying healthy, and mental wellness. One of our programs includes sports days that get kids active and creative.
Our newest project is "Hashtag Clothing Covered," which we're partnering on with Kelebogile Legoko. We donate clothes and teddy bears to keep children safe and warm. This campaign happens during Child Protection Week in May and helps kids aged 0-13 prepare for colder weather. This is especially important where getting these basic needs met can be tough.
We're looking for donations of clothing and teddy bears to help keep children clean, warm, and show them that people care.
MUZI: Where does your passion for helping children come from? What drives you to do this work?
ONTSHI: Growing up with supportive adults made all the difference for me. My family and teachers encouraged my interests and helped me feel confident about who I was. They taught me that how we treat kids today shapes who they become tomorrow.
That's why I'm passionate about supporting children now. I want to give them the same encouragement and guidance I received. My teachers especially showed me the importance of service and opened my eyes to the bigger world around us. I'm hoping to do the same thing for the next generation.
MUZI: What would you say is the ultimate goal you're trying to achieve with this initiative?
ONTSHI: The Clothed and Covered initiative helps underprivileged kids by providing clothing and support - showing God's love through real action, not just words. We partner with others to make life easier for struggling parents, whether that's supplying clothes for newborns or helping out orphanages. Even when resources are tight, our focus is simple: meet children where they are and make sure they know someone cares about them.
MUZI: How can everyday people in the community get involved and support your work?
ONTSHI: You can support our work in several ways. Answer the call when we reach out, volunteer at our year-round youth events, or partner with us financially. Follow us on social media to stay connected and track our initiatives.
Together, we're building a community that values and uplifts children, especially in underprivileged areas like townships.
MUZI: Child Protection Week is coming up in May. What does that time of year mean to you personally?
ONTSHI: Child Protection Week is coming up, and it's a personal reminder to keep pushing forward. It's all about protecting kids - their minds, creativity, innocence, and imagination. Whether that's keeping them in school or getting them involved in activities that spark their curiosity, it's about answering the call to safeguard every child. That's what this week means to me, and it's why we run initiatives that make a real difference.
MUZI: What projects are you currently working on, and what does the future look like for #Safehere and #Clothed&Covered?
ONTSHI: Safehere runs the Cloth and Cover Drive. We want to expand this year into programs that support kids' social and mental health. We're planning to focus on both boys and girls as separate groups, understanding what each needs and helping them mentally. We also want to raise awareness about these needs. That's what we're hoping to accomplish.