Duncan Village community philanthropist Nomaxabiso Joni was recognised as a Heroine in Youth Development at the 12th annual South African Heroines Awards, held recently in Polokwane.
Joni received the award in recognition of the work she does with young people in her community, which includes teaching youth to crochet, plant vegetables and banana trees, and clean up the environment.
The awards aim to encourage women leaders who contribute to their communities by providing necessary assistance to the needy.
“I am humbled by this gesture of appreciation,” Joni said.
“I had no idea that the work I have been doing in society would be noticed and appreciated in this great manner.
“I would like to get far and wide to assist as many people that need my help as I can.
“I would like to get contracts in the departments that I have applied to so that I can do more, and not serve from an empty cup.”
Joni, working under her NPO Precious Joni Legacy, has worked as a health practitioner and is a certified neurolinguistics life coach.
Pupils from Mzokhanyo High School, Inyathi Public Primary and Lujiza Public Primary have benefited from Joni and her team’s efforts throughout the year.
One of their successful initiatives is aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies.
Joni also organises charity projects to help the youth and orphans in need, providing them with food parcels, blankets and sports kits.
Despite her efforts, Joni struggles with accommodating all the young people she works with, but she has managed to make do with the limited resources she has.
“I do not have a work space for administration and consultation.
“I use my home garage as a mini hall to gather the young people in my community.
“But because of the passion for the work I am doing, I use my limited resources.
“It is not easy to find out or to reach out to some youth in other communities who are far from where I live.
“I would like to do more with more resources like transport to engage other communities.”
Joni shared some advice for other people wanting to assist the needy in their communities.
“For one to make a difference in society, one does not have to have a certain qualification.
“What is fundamental is making sure that one does thorough research, to be passionate, patient and resilient. You must be a patriot.
“Do not expect to start a project today and to be a millionaire tomorrow on the project you are wanting to establish.
“Confidentiality is also very important when dealing with delicate cases,” said Joni.
