“Any nation that does not care for its children is no nation at all.” These powerful words by the late former statesman Nelson Mandela serve as a timely reminder of the responsibility we all have towards the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society.
In this spirit, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, through its Women Empowerment Network, has formally adopted two local child and youth care organisations - SOS Children’s Village and the
ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre. This move reflects the business community’s deepening commitment to inclusive social development in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Today’s adoption was marked by a handover event, during which generous donations of clothing, sanitary towels, food, hygiene products, equipment, and financial resources were presented to both organisations. This meaningful gesture forms part of the Chamber’s broader Resurge the Bay initiative, a campaign aimed at revitalising the city through people-centred economic and social renewal.
The Women Empowerment Network, which seeks to empower and advance women in business through lobbying, networking, training, and opportunity sharing, has extended its reach beyond the commercial sphere to embrace humanitarian action. This initiative unites women leaders and businesses behind a shared cause: to bring dignity and hope to the most vulnerable members of society.
Speaking at the handover event, Denise van Huyssteen, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“Today marks a moment of hope and shared humanity. Through the adoption of SOS Children’s Village and ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre, we are not just making donations, we are acknowledging the lives, dignity and potential of our most vulnerable children and young people.
This initiative aligns perfectly with our Resurge the Bay initiative, which is grounded in the belief that economic revival must go hand-in-hand with social renewal. A resurgent city is one where business does not operate in isolation but is deeply rooted in its community, where care and commerce walk hand in hand.
The support from our Women Empowerment Network, MSMEs, and corporate partners demonstrates the spirit of Ubuntu that lives in our business community. Together, we are creating pathways for sustainable upliftment and reaffirming that we all have a role to play in building a better, more inclusive Nelson Mandela Bay.”
The support from the local business community has been both generous and diverse:
- AutoX: Financial donation of R1000 per home
- Garden Routeman: Financial donation of R3,000 per home
- The Eco Laundry: Donation of non-perishable food
- Jendamark: Non-perishable food items to the value of R5,000
- Boardwalk Hotel and Casino: 50 buckets per home filled with non-perishable items
In addition, over 150 goodie bags filled with essential items were donated by local MSMEs, showing that support is coming not just from large corporates, but from small businesses across the metro. A formal cheque handover will be arranged for companies committing financial contributions.
For the beneficiary organisations, the support carries both deep emotional meaning and practical impact.
SOS Children’s Village, which provides alternative family-based care for orphaned or abandoned children and supports at-risk families in the community, welcomed the adoption.
“Being adopted by the Network is more than a gift - it is a recognition of the children and families we serve, and the struggles they face daily,” said Jackie Scheuble, Programme Director of SOS Children’s Village.
“The donations we received today speak directly to the practical needs of our children and households. Food, clothing, and hygiene essentials are the basics of dignity. We are especially moved by the way businesses, large and small, have come together to wrap their arms around our Village. It reminds us that these children are not forgotten. They are part of a greater family that cares.”
ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre, which works with vulnerable boys in the city, echoed the significance of the initiative.
“This support arrives at a critical time for us. At Khayalethu, we provide more than shelter, we offer healing, safety, and the opportunity for young boys to rebuild their lives. Growing boys in to good men” said Dr Marietjie van der Merwe, Director at ACVV Khayalethu Child and Youth Care Centre.
“Being chosen by the Chamber and its Women Empowerment Network affirms the value of our work and allows us to continue offering holistic development programmes, from education to life skills training. The donations we’ve received will immediately improve the quality of care we can provide. Just as importantly, the public recognition of our mission inspires our team and our young people to keep striving. Thank you for making us feel seen and supported.”
Through this act of community solidarity, the initiative reflects a shared belief that no economic recovery is complete without uplifting those on the margins.
This adoption stands as a powerful example of how the business sector can be a catalyst for not only economic growth, but also healing, inclusion, and long-term social impact.
The Women Empowerment Network is proud to be in partnership with FNB in advancing this initiative.
#ResurgingTheBay #BayOfOpportunity